Communication system, terminal, control method, and recording medium

ABSTRACT

A communication system includes: a plurality of cameras that generate image data by capturing images; a server that stores the image data generated by each of the plurality of cameras; and a plurality of transmission devices in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of cameras. Each of the plurality of transmission devices transmits light, including, as a visible light communication signal, information related to communication for accessing a storage location at which the image data generated by a corresponding one of the plurality of cameras is stored in the server.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/523,420, filed Nov. 10, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/744,766, filed Jan. 16, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No.11,201,671, which is a U.S. continuation application of PCTInternational Patent Application Number PCT/JP2018/026258 filed on Jul.12, 2018, claiming the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/534,880 filed on Jul. 20, 2017, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/539,800 filed on Aug. 1, 2017, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a communication system, a terminal, acontrol method, and a recording medium.

2. Description of the Related Art

Devices can use global positioning system (GPS) as a method forobtaining location information. In such cases, devices receive amodulated signal transmitted from a satellite, and estimate location bypositioning calculation. However, it is difficult for the device toestimate location information when the device is indoors, wherereception of the radio waves transmitted by the GPS satellite isdifficult.

As disclosed in “NGP use case document,” IEEE802.11-16/0137r4, March2016.https://mentor.ieee.org/802.11/dcn/16/11-16-0137-04-00az-ngp-use-case-document.pptx,to overcome this problem, there is a method by which the device usesradio waves transmitted from an access point in a wireless local areanetwork (LAN) to estimate location.

SUMMARY

However, since it is not easy to know the service set identifier (SSID)of an access point that can be securely accessed, when the deviceattempts to obtain location information, there is a possibility that thedevice will connect to an insecure SSID access point, leading to thepossibility of a compromise of information.

Accordingly, the method of obtaining location information can beimproved upon.

A communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosureincludes: a plurality of cameras that generate image data by capturingan image; a server that stores the image data generated by each of theplurality of cameras; and a plurality of transmission devices inone-to-one correspondence with the plurality of cameras. Each of theplurality of transmission devices transmits light including, as avisible light communication signal, information related to communicationfor accessing a storage location at which the image data generated by acorresponding one of the plurality of cameras is stored in the server.

These general and specific aspects may be implemented using a system, amethod, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or acomputer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or any combinationof systems, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, orcomputer-readable recording media.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve themethod of obtaining location information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other objects, advantages and features of the disclosure willbecome apparent from the following description thereof taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings that illustrate a specificembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a configuration of a device and aterminal;

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a frame configuration transmitted in amodulated signal transmitted by a device;

FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a configuration including a pluralityof devices;

FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a configuration of a device, aterminal, and a base station that communicates with the terminal;

FIG. 5 illustrates a specific example of a screen displayed on adisplay;

FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedsignal transmitted by a device;

FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedsignal transmitted by a base station;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of one example of processes performed by adevice, a terminal, and a base station;

FIG. 9 illustrates a specific example of a screen displayed on adisplay;

FIG. 10 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem;

FIG. 11 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedsignal transmitted by a device;

FIG. 12 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedsignal transmitted by a wireless communication device;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of one example of processes performed by adevice, a terminal, and a base station;

FIG. 14 illustrates one example of a configuration of devices, aterminal, and a base station that communicates with the terminal;

FIG. 15 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedsignal transmitted by a device;

FIG. 16 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedsignal transmitted by a device;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a first example of processes performed bydevices a terminal, and a base station;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a second example of processes performed bydevices, a terminal, and a base station;

FIG. 19 illustrates one example of a space;

FIG. 20 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart of one example of processes performed by anelement related to visible light, etc., a terminal, and a wirelesscommunication device of a base station;

FIG. 22 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem;

FIG. 23 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedsignal transmitted by a device;

FIG. 24 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedsignal transmitted by a device;

FIG. 25 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedsignal transmitted by a device;

FIG. 26 illustrates one example of a transmission method used by adevice to transmit a plurality of frames;

FIG. 27 illustrates one example of an area;

FIG. 28 is a flow chart of one example of processes performed by adevice, a terminal, and a base station;

FIG. 29 illustrates one example of a configuration of a device relatedto modulated optical signal transmission;

FIG. 30 illustrates one example of a configuration of a device relatedto modulated optical signal transmission;

FIG. 31 illustrates a configuration example of a transmission device anda reception device;

FIG. 32 illustrates a configuration example of a transmission device anda reception device;

FIG. 33 illustrates one example of a configuration of a device relatedto modulated optical signal transmission;

FIG. 34 illustrates one example of a configuration of a device relatedto modulated optical signals;

FIG. 35 illustrates one example of a configuration of a transmissiondevice related to modulated optical signals;

FIG. 36A illustrates one example of a configuration of a transmissiondevice related to modulated optical signals;

FIG. 36B illustrates one example of a configuration of a vehicle;

FIG. 36C illustrates one example of a configuration of a vehicle;

FIG. 36D illustrates one example of a communication method used by atransmission device and a reception device;

FIG. 36E illustrates one example of a visible light communicationmethod;

FIG. 36F illustrates an example of a light-emission pattern of a lightsource and a captured image;

FIG. 36G illustrates an example of a light-emission pattern of a lightsource and a captured image;

FIG. 36H illustrates one example of a modulation scheme;

FIG. 36I illustrates one example of a modulation scheme;

FIG. 37 illustrates a system of communication devices;

FIG. 38 is a flow chart of one example of processes performed by aterminal, a base station, and a server;

FIG. 39A illustrates a first example of a system related to a videoprovision method that uses modulated optical signals;

FIG. 39B is a flow chart illustrating an example of processes related toa video provision method that uses modulated optical signals;

FIG. 39C illustrates a second example of a system related to a videoprovision method that uses modulated optical signals;

FIG. 40 illustrates one example of a scene in a stadium;

FIG. 41 illustrates an example of a flow of operations performed by acamera, a transmission device, and a server;

FIG. 42 illustrates an example of a flow of operations performed by aterminal, a transmission device, and a communication device;

FIG. 43 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedoptical signal transmitted by a transmission device;

FIG. 44 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedoptical signal transmitted by a transmission device;

FIG. 45 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedoptical signal transmitted by a transmission device;

FIG. 46 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedoptical signal transmitted by a transmission device;

FIG. 47 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedoptical signal transmitted by a transmission device;

FIG. 48 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedoptical signal transmitted by a transmission device;

FIG. 49 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedoptical signal transmitted by a transmission device; and

FIG. 50 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedoptical signal transmitted by a transmission device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosureincludes: a plurality of cameras that generate image data by capturingan image; a server that stores the image data generated by each of theplurality of cameras; and a plurality of transmission devices inone-to-one correspondence with the plurality of cameras. Each of theplurality of transmission devices transmits light including, as avisible light communication signal, information related to communicationfor accessing a storage location at which the image data generated by acorresponding one of the plurality of cameras is stored in the server.

With the above aspect, the communication system can more securelyprovide a terminal with information related to communication foraccessing the storage location of image data. The terminal can moresecurely obtain the location information.

More specifically, the communication system, for example, transmits amodulated signal (for optical communication) including informationrelated to a location from, for example, a light emitting diode (LED)lamp, light source, or light that is provided in a room and emitsvisible light. The terminal (device) uses, for example, an image sensorsuch as a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor ora CMOS image sensor using an Organic Photoconductive Film (OPF) (i.e.,an organic CMOS image sensor) to receive a modulated signal (for opticalcommunication), performs processing such as demodulation, and obtains atleast information related to a location, whereby the terminal achievesthe advantageous effect of being able to securely obtain informationrelated to a location.

For example, the information includes address information indicating thestorage location at which the image data is stored.

With the above aspect, the communication system can more easily andsecurely obtain location information by transmitting address informationvia visible light communication.

For example, the information includes an encryption key used inencryption of communication for a terminal to access the storagelocation at which the image data is stored.

With the above aspect, the communication system can more easily andsecurely obtain location information by transmitting an encryption keyvia visible light communication.

For example, the information includes an identifier of a base stationfor wireless communication for a terminal to access the storage locationat which the image data is stored.

With the above aspect, the communication system can more easily andsecurely obtain location information by transmitting an identifier of abase station via visible light communication.

For example, the information includes position information indicating aposition of a location at which the image was captured.

With the above aspect, the communication system can more easily andsecurely obtain location information by transmitting positioninformation of the image capture location via visible lightcommunication.

A terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: areception device that receives light including, as a visible lightcommunication signal, information indicating a storage location of imagedata; and a transceiver device that receives the image data from thestorage location indicated in the information received by the receptiondevice.

With this aspect, it is possible to more securely obtain locationinformation.

A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure isfor a communication system including a plurality of cameras, a server,and a plurality of transmission devices in one-to-one correspondencewith the plurality of cameras. The control method includes: generatingimage data by the plurality of cameras capturing an image; storing theimage data generated by each of the plurality of cameras in the server;and transmitting, by each of the plurality of transmission devices,light including, as a visible light communication signal, informationrelated to communication for accessing a storage location at which theimage data generated by a corresponding one of the plurality of camerasis stored in the server.

This achieves the same advantageous effects as those described for thecommunication system.

A control method for a terminal according to one aspect of the presentdisclosure includes: receiving light including, as a visible lightcommunication signal, information indicating a storage location of imagedata; and receiving the image data from the storage location indicatedin the information received.

This achieves the same advantageous effects as those described for theterminal.

General or specific aspects of the above may be realized as a system,method, integrated circuit, computer program, computer-readable storagemedium such as a Compact Disc Read only Memory (CD-ROM), or any givencombination thereof.

Hereinafter, embodiments are specifically described with reference tothe drawings.

Each of the embodiments described below shows a general or specificexample. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, thearrangement and connection of the components, steps, the processingorder of the steps etc. shown in the following embodiments are mereexamples, and therefore do not limit the scope of the appended Claimsand their equivalents. Therefore, among the components in the followingembodiments, those not recited in any one of the independent claimsdefining the broadest concept are described as optional components.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of configurations of device 100including, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) light source, lamp,light source, and/or light that emits visible light, and terminal 150.Device 100 includes, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) lamp,light source, and/or light that emits visible light. Note that thisdevice is referred to as a “first device”.

Transmission unit 102 receives an input of information related to alocation or information 101 related to a position. Moreover,transmission unit 102 may receive an input of information 105 related toa time. Moreover, transmission unit 102 may receive an input of both (i)the information related to a location or information 101 related to aposition and (ii) information 105 related to a time.

Transmission unit 102 receives an input of information related to alocation or information 101 related to a position and/or information 105related to a time, and based on the one or more input signals, generatesa modulated signal (for optical communication), and outputs modulatedsignal 103. For example, modulated signal 103 is transmitted from lightsource 104.

Next, examples of the information related to a location or information101 related to a position will be given.

Example 1

Information related to a location or information 101 related to aposition may be information indicating the latitude and/or longitude ofa location or position. For example, the information related to alocation or information 101 related to a position may be informationindicating “45 degrees north latitude, 135 degrees east longitude”.

Example 2

Information related to a location or information 101 related to aposition may be information indicating an address. For example, theinformation related to a location or information 101 related to aposition may be information indicating “1-1-1 XYZ-machi, Chiyoda-ku,Tokyo-to”.

Example 3

Information related to a location or information 101 related to aposition may be information indicating a building or facility, forexample. For example, the information related to a location orinformation 101 related to a position may be information indicating“Tokyo Tower”.

Example 4

Information related to a location or information 101 related to aposition may be information indicating a fixed location or position ofsomething at a building or facility, for example.

For example, assume there are five parking spaces for automobiles in aparking lot. Assume the first through fifth parking spaces are named A-1through A-5, respectively. In this example, the information related to alocation or information 101 related to a position may be informationindicating, for example, “A-3”.

This example is not limited to only parking spaces in a parking lot.

Information related to a location or information 101 related to aposition may be for example, information related to a section, a seat, astore, a facility, etc., at, for example, a concert facility, a stadiumsuch as a baseball, soccer, or tennis stadium, an airplane, an airportlounge, a railway, a station, etc.

Note that methods for configuring the information related to a locationor information 101 related to a position are not limited to the aboveexamples.

Terminal 150 receives the modulated signal transmitted by first device100.

Light receiver 151 is, for example, a CMOS or organic CMOS image sensor.Light receiver 151 receives light including the modulated signal outputfrom the first device, and outputs reception signal 152. Reception unit153 receives an input of reception signal 152, performs processing suchas demodulation and error correction decoding on the modulated signalincluded in the reception signal, and outputs reception data 154.

Note that reception signal 152 output from light receiver 151 may be asignal including information on an image or moving picture obtained bythe image sensor, and may be an output signal from an element thatperforms photo-electric conversion (an element that converts light intoan electric signal). In the following description, when a reception-sidedevice is described as receiving a modulated signal without giving anyfurther details on the processes performed by light receiver 151, thismeans that the reception-side device obtains a signal of an image ormoving picture and a modulated signal for transmitting information byphoto-electric conversion (converting light into an electric signal) oflight including the modulated signal by light receiver 151. However, themethod described above used to receive the modulated signal by thereception-side device is merely one non-limiting example.

Data analyzer 155 receives an input of reception data 154, estimates,for example, the location or position of terminal 150 from receptiondata 154, and outputs information 156 including at least information onthe location or position of terminal 150.

Display 157 receives an input of information 156, and displaysinformation related to the location or position of terminal 150 based onthe location or position of terminal 150 included in information 156.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame transmittedin a modulated signal transmitted by first device 100. In FIG. 2 , timeis represented on the horizontal axis. For example, the first devicetransmits preamble 201 and then transmits control information symbol202, symbol 203 related to location information or position information,and symbol 204 related to time information.

Here, preamble 201 is a symbol for terminal 150, which receives themodulated signal transmitted by first device 100, to perform, forexample, signal detection, time synchronization, and/or framesynchronization.

Control information symbol 202 is, for example, a symbol including dataon, for example, the configuration method of the modulated signal, theerror correction encoding scheme used, and/or the frame configurationmethod.

Symbol 203 related to location information or position information is asymbol including information related to a location or informationrelated to a position illustrated in FIG. 1 .

The frame may include symbols other than symbols 201, 202, and 203. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , the frame may include symbol 204related to time information. Symbol 204 related to time informationincludes, for example, information indicating a time of transmission ofthe modulated signal by the first device. Note that the frameconfiguration of the modulated signal transmitted by the first device isnot limited to the frame configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 . Moreover,the symbols included in the modulated signal are not limited to theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 2 (the modulated signal may includesymbols including other data and/or information).

Next, the advantageous effects achieved when the first device transmitsa modulated signal and the terminal receives the modulated signal, asdescribed with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , will be described.

Since the first device transmits the modulated signal via visible light,a terminal capable of receiving the modulated signal is not in alocation significantly far from the location of the first device.Accordingly, by the terminal obtaining the location or positioninformation transmitted by the first device, the terminal can achieve anadvantageous effect whereby it is possible to easily (i.e., withouthaving to perform complicated signal processing) obtain accurateposition information. Moreover, when the first device is disposed in aplace where reception of satellite radio waves from a GPS satellite isdifficult, it is possible to achieve an advantageous effect whereby itis possible for the terminal to securely obtain accurate positioninformation even in locations in which reception of radio waves from aGPS satellite is difficult, by the terminal receiving the modulatedsignal transmitted by the first device.

Embodiment 2

In this embodiment, a configuration in which a plurality of the firstdevices described in Embodiment 1 are provided will be described.

In this embodiment, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , first device#1 301-1 having the same configuration as first device 100 illustratedin FIG. 1 transmits a modulated signal, and terminal 302 receives themodulated signal. Terminal 302 receives the modulated signal transmittedby first device #1 301-1, and obtains, for example, information relatedto first location or position #1 and information related to first time#1.

Similarly, first device #2 301-2 having the same configuration as firstdevice 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 transmits a modulated signal, andterminal 302 receives the modulated signal. Terminal 302 receives themodulated signal transmitted by first device #2 301-2, and obtains, forexample, information related to first location or position #2 andinformation related to first time #2.

With this, terminal 302 can know the distance between first device #1301-1 and first device #2 301-2 illustrated in FIG. 3 from theinformation related to first location or position #1 and the informationrelated to first location or position #2. Moreover, terminal 302 canknow the distance between terminal 302 and first device #1 301-1 basedon the information related to first time #1, and, for example, the timeat which the terminal receives the modulated signal transmitted by firstdevice #1 301-1. Similarly, terminal 302 can know the distance betweenterminal 302 and first device #2 301-2 based on the information relatedto first time #2, and, for example, the time at which the terminalreceives the modulated signal transmitted by first device #2 301-2.

Moreover, terminal 302 knows the position of first device #1 from theinformation related to the first location or position #1. Moreover,terminal 302 knows the position of first device #2 from the informationrelated to the first location or position #2. Terminal 302 knows thegeometry of the triangle formed by first device #1 301-1, first device#2 301-2, and terminal 302 from the distance between first device #1301-1 and first device #2 301-2, the distance between first device #1301-1 and the terminal, and the distance between first device #2 301-2and the terminal.

Accordingly, terminal 302 can accurately calculate and obtain theposition of terminal 302 from the position of the first device #1, theposition of the first device #2, and the geometry of the triangle formedby first device #1 301-1, first device #2 301-2, and terminal 302.

However, the geodetic measurement method used by terminal 302 to obtainthe location or position information is not limited to the methoddescribed above; any geodetic measurement method may be used. Examinesof geodetic measurement methods include triangulation, traversecalculation, leveling, etc.

As described above, the terminal can obtain the above-describedinformation from a plurality of devices including light sources thattransmit location information, and as a result, it is possible toachieve an advantageous effect whereby the terminal can accuratelyestimate position. Moreover, as described in Embodiment 1, when thedevice including a light source that transmits location information isdisposed in a place where reception of satellite radio waves from a GPSsatellite is difficult, it is possible to achieve an advantageous effectwhereby it is possible for the terminal to securely obtain accurateposition information even in locations in which reception of radio wavesfrom a GPS satellite is difficult, by the terminal receiving themodulated signal transmitted by the device.

Note that in the above example, the terminal receives modulated signalstransmitted by two devices, but an embodiment in which the terminalreceives modulated signals transmitted by more than two devices can beimplemented in the same manner. Note that the more devices there are,the more accurately the terminal can calculate the position information,so from this viewpoint, more devices are more beneficial.

Embodiment 3

FIG. 4 illustrates one example of configurations of: a device including,for example, an LED light source, lamp, light source, and/or light, thatemits visible light; a terminal; and, for example, a base station thatcommunicates with the terminal. Device 400 in FIG. 4 includes, forexample, an LED lamp, light source, and/or light that emits visiblelight. Note that the device is referred to as a “first device”. In firstdevice 400 in FIG. 4 , elements that operate the same as in first device100 in FIG. 1 share like reference marks.

Terminal 450 in FIG. 4 indicates the configuration of a terminal, andelements that are the same as in FIG. 1 share like reference marks.

In first device 400 in FIG. 4 , transmission unit 102 receives inputsof, for example, information related to a location or information 101related to a position, information 401-1 related to a service setidentifier (SSID), and information 401-2 related to an accessdestination. Moreover, transmission unit 102 may receive an input ofinformation 105 related to a time.

Transmission unit 102 receives inputs of information related to alocation or information 101 related to a position, information 401-1related to an SSID, information 401-2 related to an access destination,and/or information 105 related to a time, and based on the one or moreinput signals, generates a modulated signal (for optical communication),and outputs modulated signal 103. For example, modulated signal 103 istransmitted from light source 104.

Note that since examples of the information related to a location orinformation 101 related to a position are the same as described inEmbodiment 1, repeated description will be omitted.

Next, information 401-1 related to an SSID and information 401-2 relatedto an access destination will be described.

First, information 401-1 related to an SSID will be described.

Information 401-1 related to an SSID is information indicating the SSIDof the base station (or access point (AP)) 470 illustrated in FIG. 4 .When processing is performed for determining whether or not the SSIDnotified via the optical signal is the SSID of a secure base station,first device 400 can provide access to base station 470, which is asecure access destination for terminal 450. With this, terminal 450 inFIG. 4 can achieve the advantageous effect of being able to securelyobtain information from base station (or AP) 470. On the other hand,first device 400 can restrict the terminals that access base station 470to terminals in a space in which it is possible to receive opticalsignals transmitted (emitted) by first device 400.

Note that when terminal 450 receives an optical signal transmitted via apredetermined scheme, it may be determined that the notified SSID is theSSID of a secure base station, and, alternatively, processing fordetermining whether the SSID is secure or not may be performed. Forexample, first device 400 may transmit a predetermined identifier in anoptical signal, and the terminal may determine whether the notified SSIDis the SSID of a secure base station or not based on the receivedidentifier. Alternatively, the processing for determining whether thebase station is secure or not may be omitted by terminal 450, andinstead, the user may select, a first device 400 that, is highly secureutilizing the characteristics of the visible light, and the SSID of thehighly secure base station may be obtained by terminal 450 receiving theoptical signal from first device 400.

Note that although FIG. 4 only illustrates base station (or AP) 470, forexample, when there is a base station (or AP) other than base station(or AP) 470, terminal 450 in FIG. 4 accesses base station (or AP) 470 toobtain information.

Information 401-2 related to an access destination is informationrelated to an access destination for terminal 450 in FIG. 4 to accessbase station (or AP) 470 and then obtain information (note that aspecific example of operations will be given later).

Terminal 450 in FIG. 4 receives the modulated signal transmitted byfirst device 400. Note that in terminal 450 in FIG. 4 , operations thatare the same as in terminal 150 in FIG. 1 share like reference marks.

Light receiver 151 included in terminal 450, examples of which includean image sensor such as a CMOS or organic CMOS image sensor, receivesthe modulated signal transmitted by first device 400. Reception unit 153receives an input of reception signal 152 received by light receiver151, performs processing such as demodulation and error correctiondecoding on the reception signal, and outputs reception data 154.

Data analyzer 155 receives an input of reception data 154, estimates,for example, the location or position of the terminal from receptiondata 154, and outputs information 156 including at least information onthe location or position of the terminal, information 451 related to anSSID, and information 452 related to an access destination.

Display 157 receives inputs of information 156 including information onthe location or position of the terminal, information 451 related to anSSID, and information 452 related to an access destination, and, forexample, displays the location or position of the terminal, the SSID ofa communication partner that wireless communication device 453 includedin terminal 450 accesses, and the access destination (this display isreferred to as a “first display”).

For example, after the first display, wireless communication device 453included in terminal 450 in FIG. 4 receives inputs of information 451related to an SSID and information 452 related to an access destination.Then, wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 450 in FIG.4 connects to the communication partner by using, for example, radiowaves, based on information 451 related to an SSID. Note that in theexample illustrated in FIG. 4 , wireless communication device 453included in terminal 450 in FIG. 4 connects to base station 470.

Then, based on information 452 related to an access destination,wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 450 in FIG. 4generates a modulated signal from data including the information relatedto an access destination, and transmits the generated modulated signalto base station 470 over, for example, radio waves.

Base station (or AP) 470, which is the communication partner of theterminal in FIG. 4 , receives the modulated signal transmitted bywireless communication device 453 included in terminal 450 in FIG. 4 .Then, base station (or AP) 470 performs processing such as demodulationand error correction decoding on the received modulated signal, outputsreception data 471 including information on the access destinationtransmitted by terminal 450 in FIG. 4 , and based on the information onthe access destination, base station (or AP) 470 accesses a desiredaccess destination over a network and, for example, obtains desiredinformation 472 from the access destination.

Then, base station 470 receives an input of the desired information 472,generates a modulated signal from the desired information 472, andtransmits the modulated signal to terminal 450 in FIG. 4 over, forexample, radio waves.

Wireless communication device 453 in terminal 450 in FIG. 4 receives themodulated signal transmitted by base station 470, performs processingsuch as demodulation and error correction decoding, and obtains thedesired information 472.

For example, assume the desired information 472 is information relatedto a section, a seat, a store, a facility, etc., on/at, for example, amap, a map or floor guide for a building, a map or floor guide for afacility; a map or floor guide for a parking lot, a concert facility, astadium such as a baseball, soccer, or tennis stadium, an airplane, anairport lounge, a railway, a station, etc.

Display 157 receives inputs of the desired information 472, information156 including, at least information on the location or position of theterminal, information 451 related to an SSID, and after the firstdisplay, displays a result of mapping the position of the terminal onthe display of the map, floor guide, facility information, seatinformation, or store information, based on the desired information 472and information 156 including at least information on the location orposition of the terminal.

A specific example will be given. FIG. 5 illustrates one example of adisplay displayed by display 157. The display in FIG. 5 indicates thatthis is the third floor of a building. Each of A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-21,A-22, A-23, and A-24 indicates a position of a parking space for anautomobile. a-1 and a-2 indicate positions of elevators. The informationon this map is the desired information 472. As illustrated in FIG. 5 ,the “current location” is mapped on the map. Here, the current locationinformation obtained from information 156 including at least informationon the location or position of the terminal.

FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame of amodulated signal transmitted by first device 400 in FIG. 4 . In FIG. 6 ,time is represented on the horizontal axis, and symbols that transmitthe same information as indicated in FIG. 2 share like reference marks.Accordingly, repeated description will be omitted.

First device 400 transmits symbol 600-1 related to an SSID and symbol600-2 related to an access destination in addition to preamble 201,control information symbol 202, symbol 203 related to locationinformation or position information, and symbol 204 related to timeinformation.

Note that symbol 600-1 related to an SSID is a symbol for transmittinginformation 401-1 related to an SSID illustrated in FIG. 4 , and symbol600-2 related to an access destination is a symbol for transmittinginformation 401-2 related to an access destination in FIG. 4 . Note thatin the frame illustrated in FIG. 6 , symbols other than the symbolsshown in FIG. 6 may be included. Moreover, the frame configuration,including the order in which the symbols are transmitted, is not limitedto the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of a modulatedsignal transmitted by base station 470 illustrated in FIG. 4 . Time isrepresented on the horizontal axis. As illustrated in FIG. 7 , basestation 470 transmits, for example, preamble 701, and then transmitscontrol information symbol 702 and information symbol 703.

Here, preamble 701 is a symbol for the terminal, which receives themodulated signal transmitted by base station 470, to perform, forexample, signal detection, time synchronization, frame synchronization,and/or frequency offset estimation.

Control information symbol 702 includes, for example, informationrelated to the error correction encoding scheme method and/ordemodulation scheme used in the generation of the modulated signal, andinformation related to frame configuration.

Information symbol 703 is a symbol for transmitting information. Notethat in this embodiment, information symbol 703 is a symbol fortransmitting the desired information 472 described above.

Note that base station 470 in FIG. 4 may transmit a frame includingsymbols other than the symbols illustrated in FIG. 7 (for example, aframe including a pilot symbol (reference symbol) midway through theinformation symbol). Moreover, the frame configuration, including theorder in which the symbols are transmitted, is not limited to theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 7 . In FIG. 7 , a plurality of symbolsmay be present along the frequency axis, that is to say, symbols may bepresent on a plurality of frequencies (a plurality of carriers).

Moreover, for example, a modulated signal that has the frameconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 6 and is transmitted by the firstdevice being transmitted at a regular timing, e.g., repeatedlytransmitted is conceivable. This makes it possible for a plurality ofterminals to implement the operations described above.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating one example of processes implementedby first device 400, terminal 450, and base station (or AP) 470illustrated in FIG. 4 .

First, as 801 in FIG. 8 illustrates, first device 400 in FIG. 4transmits a modulated signal having the frame configuration illustratedin FIG. 6 .

Then, as 802 in FIG. 8 illustrates, the modulated signal transmitted byfirst device 400 in FIG. 4 is received, and terminal 450 in FIG. 4performs terminal location or position estimation.

Likewise, as 803 in FIG. 8 illustrates, the modulated signal transmittedby first device 400 in FIG. 4 is received, and terminal 450 in FIG. 4knows the SSID of the base station to be accessed by the terminal.

Then, as 804 in FIG. 8 illustrates, terminal 450 in FIG. 4 transmits, tobase station (or AP) 470 in FIG. 4 , a modulated signal including dataincluding information related to an access destination for obtaininginformation, such as a map, using, for example, radio waves.

As 805 in FIG. 8 illustrates, base station (or AP) 470 receives themodulated signal transmitted by terminal 450, obtains the information onthe access destination, accesses the desired access destination andobtains desired information, such as a map, over a network.

Then, as 806 in FIG. 8 illustrates, base station (or AP) 470 in FIG. 4transmits a modulated signal including desired information, such as theobtained map, to terminal 450 using, for example, radio waves.

As 807 in FIG. 8 illustrates, terminal 450 receives the modulated signaltransmitted by base station (or AP) 470 and obtains (for example) themap. Terminal 450 displays a screen such as the one illustrated in FIG.5 , based on information on (for example) the map and the location orposition of the terminal already obtained.

Next, an example of operations performed when a plurality of firstdevices 400 and base station (or AP) 470 are disposed in the locationillustrated in FIG. 5 .

Similar to FIG. 5 , FIG. 9 illustrates a map of a given location.

As described with reference to FIG. 5 , FIG. 9 is a map of the thirdfloor of a building. Each of A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-21, A-22, A-23, andA-24 indicates a position of a parking space for an automobile, and a-1and a-2 indicate elevators.

The position of circle 901-1 in FIG. 9 indicates the location of a firstdevice having the same configuration as device 100 illustrated in FIG. 4. A first device having the same configuration as device 100 in FIG. 4at the position of 901-1 is referred to as “first device #1”. The firstdevice #1 holds and transmits, as information related to a location orinformation related to a position, information labeled “A-1”.

The position of circle 901-2 in FIG. 9 indicates the location of a firstdevice having the same configuration as device 100 illustrated in FIG. 4. A first device having the same configuration as device 100 in FIG. 4and located at the position of 901-2 is referred to as “first device#2”. The first device #2 holds and transmits, as information related toa location or information related to a position, information labeled“A-2”.

The position of circle 901-3 in FIG. 9 indicates the location of a firstdevice having the same configuration as device 100 illustrated in FIG. 4. A first device having the same configuration as device 100 in FIG. 4and located at the position of 901-3 is referred to as “first device#3”. The first device #3 holds and transmits, as information related toa location or information related to a position, information labeled“A-3”.

The position of circle 901-4 in FIG. 9 indicates the location of a firstdevice having the same configuration as device 100 illustrated in FIG. 4. A first device having the same configuration as device 100 in FIG. 4and located at the position of 901-4 is referred to as “first device#4”. The first device #4 holds and transmits, as information related toa location or information related to a position, information labeled“A-4”.

The position of circle 901-21 in FIG. 9 indicates the location of afirst device having the same configuration as device 100 illustrated inFIG. 4 . A first device having the same configuration as device 100 inFIG. 4 and located at the position of 901-21 is referred to as “firstdevice #21”. The first device #21 holds and transmits, as informationrelated to a location or information related to a position, informationlabeled “A-21”.

The position of circle 901-22 in FIG. 9 indicates the location of afirst device having the same configuration as device 100 illustrated inFIG. 4 . A first device having the same configuration as device 100 inFIG. 4 and located at the position of 901-22 is referred to as “firstdevice #22”. The first device #22 holds and transmits, as informationrelated to a location or information related to a position, informationlabeled “A-22”.

The position of circle 901-23 in FIG. 9 indicates the location of afirst device having the same configuration as device 100 illustrated inFIG. 4 . A first device having the same configuration as device 100 inFIG. 4 and located at the position of 901-23 is referred to as “firstdevice #23”. The first device #23 holds and transmits, as informationrelated to a location or information related to a position, informationlabeled “A-23”.

The position of circle 901-24 in FIG. 9 indicates the location of afirst device having the same configuration as first device 400illustrated in FIG. 4 . A first device having the same configuration asfirst device 400 in FIG. 4 and located at the position of 901-24 isreferred to as “first device #24”. The first device #24 holds andtransmits, as information related to a location or information relatedto a position, information labeled “A-24”.

The position of double circle 902 in FIG. 9 indicates the location of abase station (or AP) having the same configuration as base station 470illustrated in FIG. 4 . Here, the SSID of a base station (or AP) havingthe same configuration as base station 470 in FIG. 4 and located at theposition of 902 is “abcdef”.

When the terminals located around the positions illustrated in the mapin FIG. 9 communicate wirelessly, the terminals may access a basestation (or AP) having the same configuration as base station 470 inFIG. 4 and located at position 902 in FIG. 9 . Accordingly, the firstdevice #1 located at 901-1 in FIG. 9 transmits “abcdef” as informationon an SSID (see 401-1 in FIG. 4 ).

Similarly, the first device #2 located at 901-2 in FIG. 9 transmits“abcdef” as information on an SSID (see 400-1 in FIG. 4 ).

The first device #3 located at 901-3 in FIG. 9 transmits “abcdef” asinformation on an SSID (see 401-1 in FIG. 4 ).

The first device #4 located at 901-4 in FIG. 9 transmits “abcdef” asinformation on an SSID (see 401-1 in FIG. 4 ).

The first device #21 located at 901-21 in FIG. 9 transmits “abcdef” asinformation on an SSID (see 401-1 in FIG. 4 ).

The first device #22 located at 901-22 in FIG. 9 transmits “abcdef” asinformation on an SSID (see 401-1 in FIG. 4 ).

The first device #23 located at 901-23 in FIG. 9 transmits “abcdef” asinformation on an SSID (see 401-1 in FIG. 4 ).

The first device #24 located at 901-24 in. FIG. 9 transmits “abcdef” asinformation on an SSID (see 401-1 in FIG. 4 ).

Next, a specific example of operations will be given.

Assume a terminal having the same configuration as terminal 450 in FIG.4 is positioned at 903-1 in FIG. 9 . The terminal receives a modulatedsignal transmitted by the first device #4 positioned at 901-4 in FIG. 9, and receives position information referred to as “A-4”. Moreover, theterminal obtains information on the SSID “abcdef”, and as a result, theterminal accesses a base station (or AP) that has the same configurationas base station 470 in FIG. 4 and is positioned at 902 in FIG. 9 ,whereby the terminal obtains information, such as a map, from the basestation (or AP) that has the same configuration as base station 470 inFIG. 4 and is positioned at 902 in FIG. 9 . Then, the terminal displaysmap information and position information (see FIG. 5 ; however, FIG. 5is only one, non-limiting example).

Assume a terminal having the same configuration as terminal 450 in FIG.4 is positioned at 903-2 in FIG. 9 . The terminal receives a modulatedsignal transmitted by the first device #22 positioned at 901-22 in FIG.9 , and receives position information referred to as “A-22”. Moreover,the terminal obtains information on the SSID “abcdef”, and as a result,the terminal accesses a base station (or AP) that has the sameconfiguration as base station 470 in FIG. 4 and is positioned at 902 inFIG. 9 , whereby the terminal obtains information, such as a map, fromthe base station (or AP) that has the same configuration as base station470 in FIG. 4 and is positioned at 902 in FIG. 9 . Then, the terminaldisplays map information and position information (see FIG. 5 ; however,FIG. 5 is only one, non-limiting example).

Note that the terminal stores a map (surrounding information) andposition information, such as those illustrated in FIG. 5 , in storageincluded in the terminal, and when the user of the terminal needs it,may make more use of the map (surrounding information) and positioninformation by reading the stored information.

As described above, since the first device transmits the modulatedsignal via visible light, a terminal capable of receiving the modulatedsignal is limited to being located within a region capable of receivingthe signal light from the position of the first device. Accordingly, bythe terminal obtaining the location or position information transmittedby the first device, the terminal can achieve an advantageous effectwhereby it is possible to easily (i.e., without having to performcomplicated signal processing) obtain accurate position information.Moreover, when the first device is disposed in a place where receptionof satellite radio waves from a GPS satellite is difficult, it ispossible to achieve an advantageous effect whereby it is possible forthe terminal to securely obtain accurate position information even inlocations in which reception of radio waves from a GPS satellite isdifficult, by the terminal receiving the modulated signal transmitted bythe first device.

Furthermore, an advantageous effect is achieved in which, based oninformation on the SSID transmitted by the first device, the terminalconnects to the base station (or AP) and obtains information to securelyretrieve information. This is because, when information from a visiblelight modulated signal is obtained, since it is visible light, the usercan easily recognize the first device transmitting the modulated signal,making it possible for the user to determine whether the source ofinformation is secure or not.

For example, when an SSID is obtained from a modulated signaltransmitted by a wireless LAN over radio waves, it is difficult for theuser to determine which device transmitted the radio waves. Accordingly,from the viewpoint of ensuring information security, obtaining the SSIDvia visible light communication is more suitable.

Note that a plurality of input signals may further be in wirelesscommunication device 453 in terminal 450 in FIG. 4 . For example, acontrol signal for controlling wireless communication device 453 may bein wireless communication device 453, and information transmitted by thebase station may be in wireless communication device 453 as inputsignals. Here, based on the control signal, operations for the start ofcommunication by wireless communication device 453 are conceivable asone example. As described above, the configuration of the first deviceis not limited to the configuration of first device 400 in FIG. 4 ,moreover the configuration of the terminal is not limited to theconfiguration of terminal 450 in FIG. 4 , and moreover the device towhich base station 470 connects is not limited to the configurationillustrated in FIG. 4 .

Moreover, although only one base station (or AP) is exemplified in theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 4 , a plurality of (secure) basestations (or APs) accessible by the terminal may be included. Here, thesymbol related to an SSID transmitted by first device 400 in FIG. 4 mayinclude information indicating the SSIDs of the plurality of basestations (or APs). Terminal 450 in FIG. 4 may select a base station (orAP) to wirelessly connect to based on the information on the SSIDs ofthe base stations (or connect to the plurality of base stations (orAPs)).

For example, assume there are three base stations (or APs). The threebase stations are named base station #A, base station #B, and basestation #C. The SSID of base station #A is “abcdef”, the SSID of basestation #B is “ghijk”, and the SSID of base station #C is “pqrstu”. Insuch cases, symbol 600-1 related to an SSID in the frame configurationillustrated in FIG. 6 of the modulated signal transmitted by the firstdevice includes information related to the SSID “abcdef” of base station#A, the SSID “ghijk” of base station #B, and the SSID “pqrstu” of basestation #C. Terminal 450 in FIG. 4 receives symbol 600-1 related to anSSID, and based on the SSID “abcdef” of base station #A, the SSID“ghijk” of base station #B, and the SSID “pqrstu” of base station #C,selects a base station (or AP) to wirelessly connect to.

Supplemental Information

It goes without saying that the embodiments and other subject matterdescribed in the present specification may be combined and implemented.

Moreover, the embodiments are merely examples. For example, while amodulation scheme, an error correction encoding scheme (error correctioncode, code length, encode rate, etc., to be used), control information,etc., are exemplified, it is possible to carry out the presentdisclosure with the same configuration even when other types of amodulation scheme, an error correction encoding scheme (error correctioncode, code length, encode rate, etc., to be used), control information,etc., are applied.

Regarding the modulation scheme, even when a modulation scheme otherthan the modulation schemes described in the present specification isused, it is possible to carry out the embodiments and the other subjectmatter described in the present specification. For example, AmplitudePhase Shift Keying (APSK) (such as 16 APSK, 64 APSK, 128 APSK, 256 APSK,1024 APSK and 4096 APSK), Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) (such as 4PAM, 8 PAM, 16 PAM, 64 PAM, 128 PAM, 256 PAM, 1024 PAM and 4096 PAM),Phase Shift Keying (PSK) (such as BPSK, QPSK, 8 PSK, 16 PSK, 64 PSK, 128PSK, 256 PSK, 1024 PSK and 4096 PSK), and Quadrature AmplitudeModulation (QAM) (such as 4 QAM, 8 QAM, 16 QAM, 64 QAM, 128 QAM, 256QAM, 1024 QAM and 4096 QAM) may be applied, or in each modulationscheme, uniform mapping or non-uniform mapping may be performed.Moreover, a method for arranging 2, 4, 8, 16, 64, 128, 256, 1024, etc.,signal points on an I-Q plane (a modulation scheme having 2, 4, 8, 16,64, 128, 256, 1024, etc., signal points) is not limited to a signalpoint arrangement method of the modulation schemes described herein.

In the present specification, conceivable devices that include thewireless communication device described in the present specificationinclude a communications and broadcast apparatus, such as a broadcaststation, a base station, an access point, a terminal or a mobile phone,or a communication apparatus such as a television, a radio, a terminal,a personal computer, a mobile phone, an access point, or a base station.Moreover, the wireless communication device described in the presentspecification is conceivably a device having communication functionsthat is connectable via some interface to a device for executing anapplication in, for example, a television, a radio, a personal computeror a mobile phone.

In the present specification, conceivable devices that include thereception unit described in the present specification include acommunications and broadcast apparatus, such as a broadcast station, abase station, an access point, a terminal or a mobile phone, or acommunication apparatus such as a television, a radio, a terminal, apersonal computer, a mobile phone, an access point, or a base station.

Moreover, in the wireless communication via radio waves according tothis embodiment, symbols other than data symbols, such as pilot symbols(preamble, unique word, post-amble, reference symbol, etc.) or symbolsfor control information, may be arranged in any way in a frame. Here,the terms “pilot symbol” and “control information symbol” are used, butthe naming of such symbols is not important; the functions that theyperform are.

A pilot symbol may be a known symbol that is modulated using PSKmodulation in a transceiver (alternatively, a symbol transmitted by atransmitter can be known by a receiver by the receiver beingsynchronized), and the receiver detects, for example, frequencysynchronization, time synchronization, and a channel estimation (ChannelState Information (CSI)) symbol (of each modulated signal) by using thesymbol.

Moreover, the symbol for control information is a symbol fortransmitting information required to be transmitted to a communicationpartner in order to establish communication pertaining to anything otherthan data (such as application data) (this information is, for example,the modulation scheme, error correction encoding scheme, the encode rateof the error correction encoding scheme, or settings information in anupper layer).

Note that the present disclosure is not limited to each exemplaryembodiment, and can be carried out with various modifications. Forexample, in each embodiment, the present disclosure is described asbeing performed as a communication device. However, the presentdisclosure is not limited to this case, and the above communicationmethod can also be used as software.

Note that, for example, a program for executing the above-describedcommunication method may be stored in Read Only Memory (ROM) in advanceto cause a Central Processor Unit (CPU) to operate this program.

Moreover, the program for executing the communication method may bestored in a computer-readable storage medium, the program stored in therecording medium may be recorded in Random Access Memory (RAM) in acomputer, and the computer may be caused to operate according to thisprogram.

Each configuration of each of the above-described embodiments, etc., maybe realized as a large scale integration (LSI) circuit, which istypically an integrated circuit. These integrated circuits may be formedas separate chips, or may be formed as one chip so as to include theentire configuration or part of the configuration of each embodiment.LSI is described here, but the integrated circuit may also be referredto as an integrated circuit (IC), a system LSI circuit, a super LSIcircuit or an ultra LSI circuit depending on the degree of integration.Moreover, the circuit integration technique is not limited to LSI, andmay be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general purpose processor.After manufacturing of the LSI circuit, a field programmable gate array(FPGA) or a reconfigurable processor which is reconfigurable inconnection or settings of circuit cells inside the LSI circuit may beused. Further, when development of a semiconductor technology or anotherderivative technology provides a circuit integration technology whichreplaces LSI, as a matter of course, functional blocks may be integratedby using this technology. Adaption of biotechnology, for example, is apossibility.

Embodiment 4

FIG. 10 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem according to this embodiment. The communication systemillustrated in FIG. 10 includes, for example: device 1000 including anLED light source, lamp, light source, and/or light that emits visiblelight; terminal 1050; and, for example, base station 470 thatcommunicates with terminal 1050. Device 1000 in FIG. 10 includes, forexample, an LED lamp, light source, and/or light that emits visiblelight. Note that device 1000 is referred to as a “second device” in thisembodiment. In second device 1000 in FIG. 10 , elements that operate thesame as in first device 100 in FIG. 1 share like reference marks.

In terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 , components that operate the same asterminal 150 in FIG. 1 share like reference marks.

Note that communication between wireless communication device 453 andbase station 470 in FIG. 10 is performed using, for example, radiowaves.

In second device 1000 in FIG. 10 , transmission unit 102 receives inputsof information 1001-1 related to an SSID, information 1001-2 related toan encryption key, and data 1002, and based on these input signals,generates a modulated signal (for optical communication), and outputsmodulated signal 103. For example, modulated signal 103 is transmittedfrom light source 104.

Next, information 1001-1 related to an SSID and information 1001-2related to an encryption key will be described.

First, information 1001-1 related to an SSID be described.

Information 1001-1 related to an SSID is information indicating the SSIDof base station (or AP) 470 in FIG. 10 . Note that, in this example,base station (or AP) 470 transmits modulated signals over radio waves,and receives radio wave modulated signals. In other words, second device1000 can provide access to base station 470, which is a secure accessdestination for the terminal. With this, terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 canachieve the advantageous effect of being able to securely obtaininformation from base station (or AP) 470. On the other hand, device1000 can restrict the terminals that access base station 470 toterminals in a space in which it is possible to receive optical signalstransmitted (emitted) by device 1000. Note that when terminal 1050receives an optical signal transmitted via a predetermined scheme, itmay be determined that the notified SSID is the SSID of a secure basestation, and, alternatively, processing for determining whether the SSIDis secure or not may be performed. For example, device 1000 may transmita predetermined identifier in an optical signal, and the terminal maydetermine whether the notified SSID is the SSID of a secure base stationor not based on the received identifier.

Note that although FIG. 10 only illustrates base station (or AP) 470,for example, when there is a base station (or AP) other than basestation (or AP) 470, terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 accesses base station (orAP) 470 to obtain information.

Information 1001-2 related to an encryption key is information relatedto an encryption key required for terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 to establishcommunication with base station (or AP) 470 in FIG. 10 . Encryptedcommunication is possible between terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 and basestation (or AP) 470 as a result of terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 obtainingthis information from second device 1000 in FIG. 10 .

Terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 receives the modulated signal transmitted bysecond device 1000. Note that in terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 , componentsthat operate the same as terminal 150 in FIG. 1 and terminal 450 in FIG.4 share like reference marks.

Light receiver 151 included in terminal 1050, examples of which includean image sensor such as a CMOS or organic CMOS image sensor, receivesthe modulated signal transmitted by second device 1000. Reception unit153 receives an input of reception signal 152 received by light receiver151, performs processing such as demodulation and error correctiondecoding on the reception signal, and outputs reception data 154.

Data analyzer 155 receives an input of reception data 154, and outputs,based on the reception data, for example, information 1051 on the SSIDof the base station (470) to be connected to, and information 1052 onthe encryption key for communication with the base station (470) to beconnected to. For example, in a wireless local area network (LAN),examples of encryption schemes include wired equivalent privacy (WEP),Wi-Fi (registered trademark) protected access (WPA), and Wi-Fi protectedaccess 2 (WPA2) (pre-shared key (PSK) mode, extended authenticationprotocol (EAP) mode). However, the encryption method is not limited tothese examples.

Display 157 receives inputs of information 1051 on the SSID andinformation 1052 on the encryption key, and, for example, displays theSSID of the communication partner to be accessed by wirelesscommunication device 453 included in the terminal, and the encryptionkey (this display is referred to as a “first display” in thisembodiment).

For example, after the first display, wireless communication device 453included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 receives inputs of information 1051on the SSID and information 1052 on the encryption key, and establishesa connection with base station (or AP) 470 (for example, the connectionuses radio waves). Here, when base station (or AP) 470 also communicateswith wireless communication device 453 in terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 ,base station (or AP) 470 transmits a modulated signal using, forexample, radio waves.

Thereafter, wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050in FIG. 10 receives inputs of data 1053 and control signal 1054,demodulates data 1053 in accordance with control signal 1054, andtransmits a modulated signal as radio waves.

Then, for example, base station (or AP) 470 transmits data to thenetwork (471) and receives data (472) from the network. Thereafter, forexample, base station (or AP) 470 transmits, to terminal 1050 in FIG. 10, a modulated signal as radio waves.

Wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 10performs processing such as demodulation and error correction decodingon the modulated signal received as radio waves to obtain reception data1056. Display 157 displays a display based on reception data 1056.

FIG. 11 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame of amodulated signal transmitted by second device 1000 in FIG. 10 . In FIG.11 , time is represented on the horizontal axis, and symbols that arethe same as in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6 share like reference marks.Accordingly, repeated description thereof will be omitted.

Symbol 600-1 related to an SSID is a symbol for transmitting information1001-1 related to an SSID in FIG. 10 , and symbol 1101 related to anencryption key is a symbol for transmitting information 1001-2 relatedto an encryption key in FIG. 10 . Data symbol 1102 is a symbol fortransmitting data 1002.

The second device transmits preamble 201, control information symbol202, symbol 600-1 related to an SSID, symbol 1101 related to anencryption key, and data symbol 1102. Note that second device 1000 inFIG. 10 may transmit a frame including symbols other than the symbolsillustrated in FIG. 11 . Moreover, the frame configuration, includingthe order in which the symbols are transmitted, is not limited to theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 12 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame of amodulated signal transmitted by wireless communication device 453included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 . In FIG. 12 , time is representedon the horizontal axis. As illustrated in FIG. 12 , wirelesscommunication device 453 included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 transmits,for example, preamble 1201, and then transmits control informationsymbol 1202 and information symbol 1203.

Here, preamble 1201 is a symbol used for base station (or AP) 470 thatreceives the modulated signal transmitted by wireless communicationdevice 453 in terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 to perform, for example, signaldetection, time synchronization, frame synchronization, frequencysynchronization, and frequency offset estimation.

Control information symbol 1202 includes data such as informationrelated to the error correction encoding scheme method and/ordemodulation scheme used in the generation of the modulated signal,information related to frame configuration, and information related tothe transmission method used, and base station (or AP) 470, for example,demodulates the modulated signal based on the information included incontrol information symbol 1202.

Information symbol 1203 is a symbol for wireless communication device453 included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 to transmit data.

Note that wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050 inFIG. 10 may transmit a frame including symbols other than the symbolsillustrated in FIG. 12 (for example, a frame including a pilot symbol(reference symbol) midway through the information symbol). Moreover, theframe configuration, including the order in which the symbols aretransmitted, is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12 , a plurality of symbols may be present along the frequencyaxis, that is to say, symbols may be present on a plurality offrequencies (a plurality of carriers).

Note that in Embodiment 3, when wireless communication device 453included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 4 transmits a modulated signal, theframe configuration illustrated in FIG. 12 may be used.

FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame of amodulated signal transmitted by base station 470 in FIG. 10 . In FIG. 7, time is represented on the horizontal axis. As illustrated in FIG. 7 ,base station 470 transmits, for example, preamble 701, and thentransmits control information symbol 702 and information symbol 703.

Here, preamble 701 is a symbol for wireless communication device 453included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 , which receives the modulatedsignal transmitted by base station 470, to perform, for example, signaldetection, time synchronization, frame synchronization, frequencysynchronization, and/or frequency offset estimation.

Control information symbol 702 includes data such as information relatedto the error correction encoding scheme method and/or demodulationscheme used in the generation of the modulated signal, informationrelated to frame configuration, and information related to thetransmission method used, and wireless communication device 453 includedin terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 , for example, demodulates the modulatedsignal based on the information included in this symbol.

Information symbol 703 is a symbol for base station (or AP) 470 in FIG.10 to transmit data.

Note that base station (or AP) 470 in FIG. 10 may transmit a frameincluding symbols other than the symbols illustrated in FIG. 7 (forexample, a frame including a pilot symbol (reference symbol) midwaythrough the information symbol). Moreover, the frame configuration,including the order in which the symbols are transmitted, is not limitedto the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7 . In FIG. 7 , a plurality ofsymbols may be present along the frequency axis, that is to say, symbolsmay be present on a plurality of frequencies (a plurality of carriers).

Moreover, for example, a modulated signal that has the frameconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 11 and is transmitted by second device1000 being transmitted at a regular timing, e.g., repeatedly transmittedis conceivable. This makes it possible for a plurality of terminals toimplement the operations described above.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating one example of processesimplemented by second device 1000, terminal 1050, and base station (orAP) 470 in FIG. 10 .

First, as 1301 in FIG. 13 illustrates, second device 1000 in FIG. 10transmits a modulated signal having the frame configuration illustratedin FIG. 11 .

Likewise, as 1302 in FIG. 13 illustrates, the modulated signaltransmitted by second device 1000 in FIG. 10 is received, and terminal1050 in FIG. 10 obtains the SSID of the base station to be accessed byterminal 1050.

Likewise, as 1303 in FIG. 13 illustrates, terminal 1050 in FIG. 10obtains an encryption key to be used for communicating with base station470 to be accessed by the terminal.

Terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 requests connection with base station 470 inFIG. 10 over radio waves (1304).

As 1305 in FIG. 13 illustrates, terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 completes theconnection with base station 470 in FIG. 10 upon receiving a responsefrom base station 470 in FIG. 10 .

As 1306 in FIG. 13 illustrates, terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 transmitsinformation on the connection destination to base station 470 in FIG. 10using radio waves.

Then, as 1307 in FIG. 13 illustrates, base station 470 in FIG. 10obtains information to be transmitted to terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 fromthe network.

As 1308 in FIG. 13 illustrates, base station 470 in FIG. 10 transmitsthe obtained information to terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 using radio waves,and terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 obtains the information.

For example, when necessary, terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 obtains requiredinformation from the network via base station 470 in FIG. 10 .

As described above, based on the SSID information and the encryption keyinformation transmitted from the second device, the terminal connects tothe base station (or AP) and obtains information, whereby anadvantageous effect that it is possible to securely obtain informationvia the base station (or AP) whose security has been authenticated canbe achieved. This is because, when information from a visible lightmodulated signal is obtained, since it is visible light, the user caneasily determine whether the source of information is secure or not.

For example, when an SSID is obtained from a modulated signaltransmitted by a wireless LAN over radio waves, it is difficult for theuser to determine which device transmitted the radio waves. Accordingly,from the viewpoint of ensuring information security, obtaining the SSIDvia visible light communication is more suitable.

Note that in this embodiment, the second device is exemplified astransmitting encryption key information, but, for example, when the basestation (or AP) does not perform encrypted communication using anencryption key, the second device can transmit only the informationrelated to an SSID without transmitting the encryption key information,that is, the second device may be implemented without the configurationrelated to an encryption key.

Moreover, the configuration of the second device is not limited to theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 10 , the configuration of the terminalis not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 10 , and theconfiguration of the connection destination of the base station is notlimited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 10 .

Although in this embodiment, only one base station (or AP) isexemplified in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 10 , a plurality of(secure) base stations (or APs) accessible by the terminal may beincluded (note that these base stations and the terminal transmit andreceive modulated signals using radio waves). Here, the symbol relatedto an SSID transmitted by second device 1000 in FIG. 10 may includeinformation indicating the SSIDs of the plurality of base stations (orAPs). Moreover, the symbol related to an encryption key transmitted bysecond device 1000 in FIG. 10 may include encryption key informationused to connect to the plurality of base stations (or APs). Terminal1050 in FIG. 10 may select a base station (or AP) to wirelessly connectto based on the information on the SSIDs of the base stations and theencryption key information (or connect to the plurality of base stations(or APs)).

For example, assume there are three base stations (or APs). The threebase stations are named base station #A, base station #B, and basestation #C. The SSID of base station #A is “abcdef”, the SSID of basestation #B is “ghijk”, and the SSID of base station #C is “pqrstu”, theencryption key for connecting with base station #A is “123”, theencryption key for connecting with base station #B is “456”, and theencryption key for connecting with base station #C is “789”.

In such cases, symbol 600-1 related to an SSID in the frameconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 11 of the modulated signal transmittedby the second device includes information related to the SSID “abcdef”of base station #A, the SSID “ghijk” of base station #B, and the SSID“pqrstu” of base station #C. The symbol 1101 related to an encryptionkey having the frame configuration illustrated in FIG. 11 includesinformation related to the encryption key “123” for connecting with basestation #A, the encryption key “456” for connecting with base station#B, and the encryption key “789” for connecting with base station #C.

Terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 receives symbol 600-1 related to an SSID andthus obtains the SSID “abcdef” of base station #A, the SSID “ghijk” ofbase station #B, and the SSID “pqrstu” of base station #C, receivessymbol 1101 related to an encryption key and thus obtains the encryptionkey “123” for connecting with base station #A, the encryption key “456”for connecting with base station #B, and the encryption key “789” forconnecting with base station #C. Then, based on this information,terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 selects a base station (or AP) to wirelesslyconnect to (for example, via radio waves), and connects to the selectedbase station (or AP).

As described in this embodiment, as a result of the terminal settingwhich base station to access, utilizing a light source, exemplified hereas an LED light source, a mode for making a special setting forprocesses for establishing a wireless connection between the terminaland base station in the modulated signal for connection over radio wavesthat is transmitted by the terminal is not required, and a mode formaking a special setting for processes for establishing a wirelessconnection between the terminal and base station in the modulated signalfor connection over radio waves that is transmitted by the base stationis not required, whereby an advantageous effect that wirelesscommunication data transmission efficiency improves can be achieved.

As described above, the encryption key may be an encryption key for anSSID on a wireless LAN, may be an encryption key for restricting theform of connection used, the form of service used, and/or theconnectivity range of the network (in other words, any encryption keythat is restrictive is sufficient).

Embodiment 5

Here, SSID and password separation will be described.

FIG. 14 illustrates one example of configurations according to thisembodiment of: devices including, for example, an LED light source,lamp, light source, and/or light that emits visible light; a terminal;and, for example, a base station that communicates with the terminal.The communication system in FIG. 14 includes: device 1400A and 1400Beach including, for example, an LED light source, lamp, light, source,and/or light that emits visible light; terminal 1050; and, for example,base station 470 that communicates with terminal 1050. Note that device1400A in FIG. 14 is referred to as a “third device” in this embodiment,and device 1400B in FIG. 14 is referred to as a “fourth device” in thisembodiment. Note that in terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 , operations that arethe same as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 10 share like reference marks. Regardingthe base station or AP as well, operations that are the same as in FIG.4 have the same reference marks as in FIG. 4 .

Note that communication between wireless communication device 453 andbase station 470 in FIG. 14 is performed using, for example, radiowaves.

In third device 1400A in FIG. 14 , transmission unit 1404-1 receivesinputs of information 1401-1 related to an SSID and data 1402-1, andbased on these input signals, generates a modulated signal (for opticalcommunication) and outputs modulated signal 1405-1. Modulated signal1405-1 is transmitted from light source 1406-1.

In fourth device 1400B in FIG. 14 , transmission unit 1404-2 receivesinputs of information 1403-2 related to an encryption key and data1402-2, and based on these input signals, generates a modulated signal(for optical communication) and outputs modulated signal 1405-2.Modulated signal 1405-2 is transmitted from light source 1406-2.

Next, information 1401-1 related to an SSID and information 1403-2related to an encryption key will be described.

First information 1401-1 related to an SSID will be described.

Information 1401-1 related to an SSID is information indicating the SSIDof base station (or AP) 470 in FIG. 14 . In other words, third device1400A can provide access over radio waves to base station 470, which isa secure access destination for the terminal. With this, terminal 1050in FIG. 14 can achieve the advantageous effect of being able to securelyobtain information from base station (or AP) 470.

Note that when terminal 1050 receives an optical signal transmitted viaa predetermined scheme, it may be determined that the notified SSID isthe SSID of a secure base station, and, alternatively, processing fordetermining whether the SSID is secure or not may be performed. Forexample, device 1400A may transmit a predetermined identifier in anoptical signal, and the terminal may determine whether the notified SSIDis the SSID of a secure base station or not based on the receivedidentifier.

Note that although FIG. 14 only illustrates base station (or AP) 470,for example, when there is a base station (or AP) other than basestation (or AP) 470, terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 accesses base station (orAP) 470 to obtain information.

Information 1403-2 related to an encryption key is information relatedto an encryption key required for terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 to establishcommunication with base station (or AP) 470 in FIG. 14 . Encryptedcommunication is possible between terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 and basestation (or AP) 470 as a result of terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 obtainingthis information from fourth device 1400B in FIG. 14 .

Terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 receives the modulated signal transmitted bythird device 1400A.

Light receiver 151 included in terminal 1050, examples of which includean image sensor such as a CMOS or organic CMOS image sensor, receivesthe modulated signal transmitted by third device 1400A. Reception unit153 receives an input of reception signal 152 received by light receiver151, performs processing such as demodulation and error correctiondecoding on the reception signal, and outputs reception data 154.

Data analyzer 155 receives an input of reception data 154, and outputs,based on the reception data, for example, information 1051 on the SSIDof the base station (470) to be connected to.

Accordingly, wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050obtains information on the SSID of the base station to be connected toover radio waves by wireless communication device 453, from information1051 on the SSID.

Next, terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 receives the modulated signal transmittedby fourth device 1400B.

Light receiver 151 included in terminal 1050, examples of which includean image sensor such as a CMOS or organic CMOS image sensor, receivesthe modulated signal transmitted by fourth device 1400B. Reception unit153 receives an input of reception signal 152 received by light receiver151, performs processing such as demodulation and error correctiondecoding on the reception signal, and outputs reception data 154.

Data analyzer 155 receives an input of reception data 154, and outputs,based on the reception data, for example, information 1052 on theencryption key for communication with the base station (470) to beconnected to. For example, in a wireless local area network (LAN),examples of encryption schemes include wired equivalent privacy (WEP),Wi-Fi protected access (WPA), and Wi-Fi protected access 2 (WPA2)(pre-shared key (PSK) mode, extended authentication protocol (EAP)mode). However, the encryption method is not limited to these examples.

Accordingly, wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050obtains encryption key information for the base station to be connectedto by wireless communication device 453, from information 1052 on theencryption key for communication with the base station (470) to theconnected to (for example, over radio waves).

Display 157 receives inputs of information 1051 on the SSID andinformation 1052 on the encryption key, and, for example, displays theSSID of the communication partner to be accessed by wirelesscommunication device 453 included in the terminal, and the encryptionkey (this display is referred to as a “first display” in thisembodiment).

For example, after the first display, wireless communication device 453included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 receives inputs of information 1051on the SSID and information 1052 on the encryption key, and establishesa connection with base station (or AP) 470 (for example, the connectionuses radio waves). Here, when base station (or AP) 470 also communicateswith wireless communication device 453 in terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 ,base station (or AP) 470 transmits a modulated signal using, forexample, radio waves.

Thereafter, wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050in FIG. 14 receives inputs of data 1053 and control signal 1054,demodulates data 1053 in accordance with control signal 1054, andtransmits a modulated signal as radio waves.

Then, for example, base station (or AP) 470 transmits data to thenetwork (471) and receives data (472) from the network. Thereafter, forexample, base station (or AP) 470 transmits, to terminal 1050 in FIG. 14, a modulated signal as radio waves.

Wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 14performs processing such as demodulation and error correction decodingon the received modulated signal to obtain reception data 1056. Display157 displays a display based on reception data 1056.

FIG. 15 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame of amodulated signal transmitted by third device 1400A in FIG. 14 . In FIG.15 , time is represented on the horizontal axis, and symbols that arethe same as in FIG. 2 , FIG. 6 , and FIG. 11 share like reference marks.Accordingly, repeated description thereof will be omitted.

Symbol 600-1 related to an SSID is a symbol for transmitting information1401-1 related to an SSID in FIG. 14 . Data symbol 1102 is a symbol fortransmitting data 1402-1.

Third device 1400A transmits preamble 201, control information symbol202, symbol 600-1 related to an SSID, and data symbol 1102. Note that,third device 1400A in FIG. 14 may transmit a frame including symbolsother than the symbols illustrated in FIG. 15 . Moreover, the frameconfiguration, including the order in which the symbols are transmitted,is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 15 .

FIG. 16 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame of amodulated signal transmitted by fourth device 1400B in FIG. 14 . In FIG.16 , time is represented on the horizontal axis, and symbols that arethe same as in FIG. 2 and FIG. 11 share like reference marks.Accordingly, repeated description thereof will be omitted.

Symbol 1101 related to an encryption key is a symbol for transmittinginformation 1403-2 related to an encryption key in FIG. 14 . Data symbol1102 is a symbol for transmitting data 1402-2.

Fourth device 1400B transmits preamble 201, control information symbol202, symbol 1101 related to an encryption key, and data symbol 1102.Note that fourth device 1400B in FIG. 14 may transmit a frame includingsymbols other than the symbols illustrated in FIG. 16 . Moreover, theframe configuration, including the order in which the symbols aretransmitted, is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 12 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame of amodulated signal transmitted by wireless communication device 453included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 . In FIG. 12 , time is representedon the horizontal axis. As illustrated in FIG. 12 , wirelesscommunication device 453 included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 transmits,for example, preamble 1201, and then transmits control informationsymbol 1202 and information symbol 1203.

Here, preamble 1201 is a symbol used for base station (or AP) 470 thatreceives the modulated signal transmitted by wireless communicationdevice 453 in terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 to perform, for example, signaldetection, time synchronization, frame synchronization, frequencysynchronization, and frequency offset estimation.

Control information symbol 1202 includes data such as informationrelated to the error correction encoding scheme method and/ordemodulation scheme used in the generation of the modulated signal,information related to frame configuration, and information related tothe transmission method used, and base station (or AP) 470, for example,demodulates the modulated signal based on the information included incontrol information symbol 1202.

Information symbol 1203 is a symbol for wireless communication device453 included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 to transmit data.

Note that wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050 inFIG. 14 may transmit a frame including symbols other than the symbolsillustrated in FIG. 12 (for example, a frame including a pilot symbol(reference symbol) midway through the information symbol). Moreover, theframe configuration, including the order in which the symbols aretransmitted, is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12 , a plurality of symbols may be present along the frequencyaxis, that is to say, symbols may be present on a plurality offrequencies (a plurality of carriers).

FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame of amodulated signal transmitted by base station 470 in FIG. 14 . In FIG. 7, time is represented on the horizontal axis. As illustrated in FIG. 7 ,base station 470 transmits, for example, preamble 701, and thentransmits control information symbol 702 and information symbol 703.

Here, preamble 701 is a symbol for wireless communication device 453included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 , which receives the modulatedsignal transmitted by base station 470, to perform, for example, signaldetection, time synchronization, frame synchronization, frequencysynchronization, and/or frequency offset estimation.

Control information symbol 702 includes data such as information relatedto the error correction encoding scheme method and/or demodulationscheme used in the generation of the modulated signal, informationrelated to frame configuration, and information related to thetransmission method used, and wireless communication device 453 includedin terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 , for example, demodulates the modulatedsignal based on the information included in this symbol.

Information symbol 703 is a symbol for base station (or AP) 470 in FIG.14 to transmit data.

Note that base station (or AP) 470 in FIG. 14 may transmit a frameincluding symbols other than the symbols illustrated in FIG. 7 (forexample, a frame including a pilot symbol (reference symbol) midwaythrough the information symbol). Moreover, the frame configuration,including the order in which the symbols are transmitted, is not limitedto the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7 . In FIG. 7 , a plurality ofsymbols may be present along the frequency axis, that is to say, symbolsmay be present on a plurality of frequencies (a plurality of carriers).

Moreover, for example, a modulated signal that has the frameconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 15 and is transmitted by third device1400A being transmitted at a regular timing, e.g., repeatedlytransmitted is conceivable. This makes it possible for a plurality ofterminals to implement the operations described above.

Similarly, a modulated signal that has the frame configurationillustrated in FIG. 16 and is transmitted by fourth device 1400B beingtransmitted at a regular timing, e.g., repeatedly transmitted isconceivable. This makes it possible for a plurality of terminals toimplement the operations described above.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating a first example of processesimplemented by third device 1400A, fourth device 1400B, terminal 1050,and base station (or AP) 470 in FIG. 14 . Note that in FIG. 17 ,operations that are the same as in FIG. 13 share like reference marks.

First, as 1701 in FIG. 17 illustrates, third device 1400A in FIG. 14transmits a modulated signal having the frame configuration illustratedin FIG. 15 .

As 1702 in FIG. 17 illustrates, the modulated signal transmitted bythird device 1400A in FIG. 14 is received, and terminal 1050 in FIG. 14obtains the SSID of the base station to be accessed by terminal 1050.

Next, as 1703 in FIG. 17 illustrates, fourth device 1400B in FIG. 14transmits a modulated signal having the frame configuration illustratedin FIG. 16 .

As 1704 in FIG. 17 illustrates, the modulated signal transmitted byfourth device 1400B in FIG. 14 is received, and terminal 1050 in FIG. 14obtains an encryption key to be used for communicating with base station470 to be accessed by the terminal.

Terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 requests connection with base station 470 inFIG. 14 over radio waves (1304).

As 1305 in FIG. 17 illustrates, terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 completes theconnection with base station 470 in FIG. 14 upon receiving a responsefrom base station 470 in FIG. 14 .

As 1306 in FIG. 17 illustrates, terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 transmitsinformation on the connection destination to base station 470 in FIG. 14using radio waves.

Then, as 1307 in FIG. 17 illustrates, base station 470 in FIG. 14obtains information to be transmitted to terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 fromthe network.

As 1308 in FIG. 17 illustrates, base station 470 in FIG. 14 transmitsthe obtained information to terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 using radio waves,and terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 obtains the information.

For example, when necessary, terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 obtains requiredinformation from the network via base station 470 in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating a second example of theabove-described processes implemented by third device 1400A, fourthdevice 1400B, terminal 1050, and base station (or AP) 470 in FIG. 14 .Note that in FIG. 18 , operations that are the same as in FIG. 13 sharelike reference marks.

First, as 1801 in FIG. 18 illustrates, fourth device 1400B in FIG. 14transmits a modulated signal having the frame configuration illustratedin FIG. 16 .

As 1802 in FIG. 18 illustrates, the modulated signal transmitted byfourth device 1400B in FIG. 14 is received, and terminal 1050 in FIG. 14obtains an encryption key to be used for communicating with the basestation to be accessed by terminal 1050.

Next, as 1803 in FIG. 18 illustrates, third device 1400A in FIG. 14transmits a modulated signal having the frame configuration illustratedin FIG. 15 .

As 1804 in FIG. 18 illustrates, the modulated signal transmitted bythird device 1400A in FIG. 14 is received, and terminal 1050 in FIG. 14obtains the SSID of base station 470 to be accessed by the terminal.

Terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 requests connection with base station 470 inFIG. 14 over radio waves (1304).

As 1305 in FIG. 18 illustrates, terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 completes theconnection with base station 470 in FIG. 14 upon receiving a responsefrom base station 470 in FIG. 14 .

As 1306 in FIG. 18 illustrates, terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 transmitsinformation on the connection destination to base station 470 in FIG. 14using radio waves.

Then, as 1307 in FIG. 18 illustrates, base station 470 in FIG. 14obtains information to be transmitted to terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 fromthe network.

As 1308 in FIG. 18 illustrates, base station 470 in FIG. 14 transmitsthe obtained information to terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 using radio waves,and terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 obtains the information.

For example, when necessary, terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 obtains requiredinformation from the network via base station 470 in FIG. 14 .

As described above, based on the SSID information and the encryption keyinformation transmitted from the third and fourth devices, the terminalconnects to the base station (or AP) and obtains information, whereby anadvantageous effect that it is possible to securely obtain informationvia time base station (or AP) whose security has been authenticated canbe achieved. This is because, when information from a visible lightmodulated signal is obtained, since it is visible light, the user caneasily determine whether the source of information is secure or not.

For example, when an SSID is obtained from a modulated signaltransmitted by a wireless LAN over radio waves, it is difficult for theuser to determine which device transmitted the radio waves. Accordingly,from the viewpoint of ensuring information security, obtaining the SSIDvia visible light communication is more suitable.

Note that in this embodiment, the fourth device is exemplified astransmitting encryption key information, but, for example, when the basestation (or AP) does not perform encrypted communication using anencryption key, the fourth device can transmit only the informationrelated to an SSID without transmitting the encryption key information,that is, the fourth device may be implemented without the configurationrelated to an encryption key.

Moreover, as described in this embodiment, by separating the device fortransmitting information related to an SSID and the device fortransmitting information related to an encryption key, the terminal canimplement even more secure communication with the base station.

For example, consider the space illustrated in FIG. 19 . As illustratedin FIG. 19 , the space includes area #1 and area #2, and a wall and adoorway between area #1 and area #2. In this example, movement from area#1 to area #2 and movement from area #2 to area #1 is only possiblethrough the doorway.

A base station (or AP), a third device, and a fourth device are disposedin area #1 in FIG. 19 . Only a third device is disposed in area #2.

Moreover, assume that the radio waves transmitted by the base station(or AP) are receivable in either of areas #1 or #2. Here, a terminal inarea #1 in which a fourth device is disposed can communicate with thebase station. Moreover, even when a terminal connected to the basestation in area #1 moves to area #2, communication with the base stationis still possible.

When a terminal connected to the base station in area #1 moves somewhereother than area #1 or area #2, and then returns to either area #1 orarea #2, communication with the base station is possible.

However, a terminal that cannot enter area #1 cannot obtain anencryption key. In such cases, the terminal can only know the SSID ofthe base station (or AP). Here, communication with the base station viaa service that can be accepted with nothing more than knowledge of theSSID may be received by the terminal.

Accordingly, only a terminal that can enter area #1 can communicate withthe base station, and as a result, communication security can beassured. Moreover, this makes it possible to construct a system that canprovide different services for different areas.

Note that when the encryption key for the terminal to communicate withthe base station changes (for example, on a per time interval basis), aprevious encryption key cannot be used to communicate with the basestation. Using such a system makes it possible to provide securecommunication.

As described above, the encryption key may be an encryption key for anSSID on a wireless LAN, may be an encryption key for restricting theform of connection used, the form of service used, and/or theconnectivity range of the network (in other words, any encryption keythat is restrictive is sufficient).

The configurations of the third and fourth devices are not limited tothe configurations illustrated in FIG. 14 , the configuration of theterminal is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 14 ,and the configuration of the connection destination of the base stationis not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 14 .

In this embodiment, although only one base station (or AP) isexemplified in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 14 , a plurality of(secure) base stations (or APs) accessible by the terminal may beincluded. Here, the symbol related to an SSID transmitted by thirddevice 1400A in FIG. 14 may include information indicating the SSIDs ofthe plurality of base stations (or APs). Moreover, the symbol related toan encryption key transmitted by fourth device 1400B in FIG. 14 mayinclude encryption key information used to connect to the plurality ofbase stations (or APs). Terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 may select a basestation (or AP) to wirelessly connect to based on the encryption keyinformation and the information on the SSIDs of the base stations (orconnect to the plurality of base stations (or APs)).

For example, assume there are three base stations (or APs). The threebase stations are named base station #A, base station #B, and basestation #C. The SSID of base station #A is “abcdef”, the SSID of basestation #B is “ghijk”, and the SSID of base station #C is “pqrstu”, theencryption key for connecting with base station #A is “123”, theencryption key for connecting with base station #B is “456”, and theencryption key for connecting with base station #C is “789”.

In such cases, symbol 600-1 related to an SSID in the frameconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 15 of the modulated signal transmittedby the third device includes information related to the SSID “abcdef” ofbase station #A, the SSID “ghijk” of base station #B, and the SSID“pqrstu” of base station #C. The symbol 1101 related to an encryptionkey having the frame configuration illustrated in FIG. 16 of themodulated signal transmitted by the fourth device includes informationrelated to the encryption key “123” for connecting with base station #A,the encryption key “456” for connecting with base station #B, and theencryption key “789” for connecting with base station #C.

Terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 receives symbol 600-1 related to an SSID andthus obtains the SSID “abcdef” of base station #A, the SSID “ghijk” ofbase station #B, and the SSID “pqrstu” of base station #C, receivessymbol 1101 related to an encryption key and thus obtains the encryptionkey “123” for connecting with base station #A, the encryption key “456”for connecting with base station #B, and the encryption key “789” forconnecting with base station #C. Then, based on this information,terminal 1050 in FIG. 14 selects a base station (or AP) to wirelesslyconnect to (for example, via radio waves), and connects to the selectedbase station (or AP).

As described in this embodiment, as a result of the terminal settingwhich base station to access, utilizing a light source, exemplified hereas an LED light source, a mode for making a special setting forprocesses for establishing a wireless connection between the terminaland base station in the modulated signal for connection over radio wavesthat is transmitted by the terminal is not required, and a mode formaking a special setting for processes for establishing a wirelessconnection between the terminal and base station in the modulated signalfor connection over radio waves that is transmitted by the base stationis not required, whereby an advantageous effect that wirelesscommunication data transmission efficiency improves can be achieved.

Embodiment 6

Here, an example in which the base station includes an LED will begiven.

FIG. 20 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem according to this embodiment. The communication systemillustrated in FIG. 20 includes, for example: an LED light source, lamp,light source, and/or light that emits visible light; base station 2000including wireless communication device 2001; and terminal 1050. Notethat in FIG. 20 , operations that are the same as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 10share like reference marks.

Note that communication between wireless communication device 2001 andwireless communication device 453 in FIG. 20 is performed using, forexample, radio waves.

Base station (or AP) 2000 in FIG. 20 includes, for example, an LED lamp,light source, and/or light that emits visible light. First, operationsof one or more elements related to the LED lamp, light source, and/orlight that emits visible light will be described.

Transmission unit 102 receives inputs of information 1001-1 related toan SSID, information 1001-2 related to an encryption key, and data 1002,and based on these input signals, generates a modulated signal (foroptical communication), and outputs modulated signal 103. For example,modulated signal 103 is transmitted from light source 104.

Next, information 1001-1 related to an SSID and information 1001-2related to an encryption key will be described.

First, information 1001-1 related to an SSID will be described.

Information 1001-1 related to an SSID is information indicating the SSIDof, for example, wireless communication device 2001 that uses radiowaves in base station (or AP) 2000 in FIG. 20 . In other words, an“element related to the LED lamp, light source, and/or light that emitsvisible light” can provide access to wireless communication device 2001,which is a secure access destination for the terminal. With this,terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 can achieve the advantageous effect of beingable to securely obtain information from wireless communication device2001.

On the other hand, an element related to the LED lamp, light source,and/or light that emits visible light in base station 200 can restrictthe terminals that access wireless communication device 2001 toterminals in a space in which reception of the optical signaltransmitted (emitted) by the element related to the LED lamp, lightsource, and/or light that emits visible light in base station 200 ispossible. Note that when terminal 1050 receives an optical signaltransmitted via a predetermined scheme, it may be determined that thenotified SSID is the SSID of a secure base station, and, alternatively,processing for determining whether the SSID is secure or not may beperformed. For example, an element related to the LED lamp, lightsource, and/or light that emits visible light in base station 200 maytransmit a predetermined identifier in an optical signal, and theterminal may determine whether the notified SSID is the SSID of a securebase station or not based on the received identifier.

Note that although FIG. 20 only illustrates base station (or AP) 2000,for example, when there is a base station (or AP) other than basestation (or AP) 2000, terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 accesses base station (orAP) 2000 to obtain information.

Information 1001-2 related to an encryption key is information relatedto an encryption key required for terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 to establishcommunication with wireless communication device 2001 in FIG. 20 .Encrypted communication is possible between terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 andwireless communication device 2001 as a result of terminal 1050 in FIG.20 obtaining this information from an element related to the LED lamp,light source, and/or light that emits visible light. Terminal 1050 inFIG. 20 receives the modulated signal transmitted by an element relatedto the LED lamp, light source, and/or light that emits visible light inbase station 200.

Note that in terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 , components that operate the sameas terminal 150 in FIG. 1 and terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 share likereference in arks.

Light receiver 151 included in terminal 1050, examples of which includean image sensor such as a CMOS or organic CMOS image sensor, receivesthe modulated signal transmitted by an element related to the LED lamp,light source, and/or light that emits visible light in base station 200.Reception unit 153 receives an input of reception signal 152 received bylight receiver 151, performs processing such as demodulation and errorcorrection decoding on the reception signal, and outputs reception data154.

Data analyzer 155 receives an input of reception data 154, and outputs,based on the reception data, for example, information 1051 on the SSIDof wireless communication device 2001 in the base station to beconnected to, and information 1052 on the encryption key forcommunication with wireless communication device 2001 in the basestation to be connected to. For example, in a wireless local areanetwork (LAN), examples of encryption schemes include wired equivalentprivacy (WEP), Wi-Fi protected access (WPA), and Wi-Fi protected access2 (WPA2) (pre-shared key (PSK) mode, extended authentication protocol(EAP) mode). However, the encryption method is not limited to theseexamples.

Display 157 receives inputs of information 1051 on the SSID andinformation 1052 on the encryption key, and, for example, displays theSSID of the communication partner to be accessed by wirelesscommunication device 453 included in the terminal, and the encryptionkey (this display is referred to as a “first display” in thisembodiment).

For example, after the first display, wireless communication device 453included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 receives inputs of information 1051on the SSID and information 1052 on the encryption key, and establishesa connection with wireless communication device 2001 in base station (orAP) 2000 (for example, the connection uses radio waves). Here, whenwireless communication device 2001 in base station (or AP) 2000 alsocommunicates with wireless communication device 453 in terminal 1050 inFIG. 20 , wireless communication device 2001 in base station (or AP)2000 transmits a modulated signal using, for example, radio waves.

Thereafter, wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050in FIG. 20 receives inputs of data 1053 and control signal 1054,demodulates data 1053 in accordance with control signal 1054, andtransmits a modulated signal as radio waves. Then, for example, wirelesscommunication device 2001 in base station (or AP) 2000 transmits data tothe network (471) and receives data (472) from the network. Thereafter,for example, wireless communication device 2001 in base station (or AP)2000 transmits, to terminal. 1050 in FIG. 20 , a modulated signal asradio waves. Wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050in FIG. 20 performs processing such as demodulation and error correctiondecoding on the modulated signal received as radio waves to obtainreception data 1056. Display 157 displays a display based on receptiondata 1056.

FIG. 11 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame of amodulated signal transmitted by transmission unit 102 and light source104 in base station (or AP) 2000 in FIG. 20 . In FIG. 11 , time isrepresented on the horizontal axis, and symbols that are the same as inFIG. 2 and FIG. 6 share like reference marks. Accordingly, repeateddescription thereof will be omitted.

Symbol 600-1 related to an SSID is a symbol for transmitting information1001-1 related to an SSID in FIG. 20 , and symbol 1101 related to anencryption key is a symbol for transmitting information 1001-2 relatedto an encryption key in FIG. 20 . Data symbol 1102 is a symbol fortransmitting data 1002.

Transmission unit 102 and light source 104 in base station (or AP) 2000transmit preamble 201, control information symbol 202, symbol 600-1related to an SSID, symbol 1101 related to an encryption key, and datasymbol 1102. Note that transmission unit 102 and light source 104 inbase station (or AP) 2000 in FIG. 20 may transmit a frame includingsymbols other than the symbols illustrated in FIG. 11 . Moreover, theframe configuration, including the order in which the symbols aretransmitted, is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame of amodulated signal transmitted by wireless communication device 453included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 . In FIG. 12 , time is representedon the horizontal axis. As illustrated in FIG. 12 , wirelesscommunication device 453 included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 transmits,for example, preamble 1201, and then transmits control informationsymbol 1202 and information symbol 1203.

Here, preamble 1201 is a symbol used for wireless communication device2001 in base station (or AP) 2000 that receives the modulated signaltransmitted by wireless communication device 453 in terminal 1050 inFIG. 20 to perform, for example, signal detection, time synchronization,frame synchronization, frequency synchronization, and frequency offsetestimation.

Control information symbol 1202 includes data such as informationrelated to the error correction encoding scheme method and/ordemodulation scheme used in the generation of the modulated signal,information related to frame configuration, and information related tothe transmission method used, and wireless communication device 2001 inbase station (or AP) 2000, for example, demodulates the modulated signalbased on the information included in control information symbol 1202.

Information symbol 1203 is a symbol for wireless communication device453 included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 to transmit data.

Note that wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050 inFIG. 20 may transmit a frame including symbols other than the symbolsillustrated in FIG. 12 (for example, a frame including a pilot symbol(reference symbol) midway through the information symbol). Moreover, theframe configuration, including the order in which the symbols aretransmitted, is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12 , a plurality of symbols may be present along the frequencyaxis, that is to say, symbols may be present on a plurality offrequencies (a plurality of carriers).

FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame of amodulated signal transmitted by wireless communication device 2001 inFIG. 20 . In FIG. 7 , time is represented on the horizontal axis. Asillustrated in FIG. 7 , base station 470 transmits, for example,preamble 701, and then transmits control information symbol 702 andinformation symbol 703.

Here, preamble 701 is a symbol for wireless communication device 453included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 , which receives the modulatedsignal transmitted by wireless communication device 2001 in FIG. 20 , toperform, for example, signal detection, time synchronization, framesynchronization, frequency synchronization, and/or frequency offsetestimation.

Control information symbol 702 includes data such as information relatedto the error correction encoding scheme method and/or demodulationscheme used in the generation of the modulated signal, informationrelated to frame configuration, and information related to thetransmission method used, and wireless communication device 453 includedin terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 , for example, demodulates the modulatedsignal based on the information included in the control informationsymbol.

Information symbol 703 is a symbol for wireless communication device2001 in FIG. 20 to transmit data.

Note that wireless communication device 2001 included in base station2000 in FIG. 20 may transmit a frame including symbols other than thesymbols illustrated in FIG. 7 (for example, a frame including a pilotsymbol (reference symbol) midway through the information symbol).Moreover, the frame configuration, including the order in which thesymbols are transmitted, is not limited to the configuration illustratedin FIG. 7 . In FIG. 7 , a plurality of symbols may be present along thefrequency axis, that is to say, symbols may be present on a plurality offrequencies (a plurality of carriers).

Moreover, for example, a modulated signal that has the frameconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 11 and is transmitted by an elementrelated to the LED lamp, light source, and/or light that emits visiblelight in base station 200 being transmitted at a regular timing, e.g.,repeatedly transmitted is conceivable. This makes it possible for aplurality of terminals to implement the operations described above.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating one example of processesimplemented by an element related to the LED lamp, light source, and/orlight that emits visible light, terminal 1050, and wirelesscommunication device 2001 in the base station (or AP) in FIG. 20 .

First, as 1301 in FIG. 21 illustrates, an element related to the LEDlamp, light source, and/or light that emits visible light in FIG. 20transmits a modulated signal having the frame configuration illustratedin FIG. 11 .

Then, as 1302 in FIG. 21 illustrates, the modulated signal transmittedby an element related to the LED lamp, light source, and/or light thatemits visible light in FIG. 20 is received, and terminal 1050 in FIG. 20obtains the SSID of the base station to be accessed by terminal 1050.

Likewise, as 1303 in FIG. 21 illustrates, terminal 1050 in FIG. 20obtains an encryption key to be used for communicating with base station470 to be accessed by the terminal.

Terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 requests connection with wireless communicationdevice 2001 included in base station 2000 in FIG. 20 over radio waves(1304).

As 1305 in FIG. 21 illustrates, terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 completes theconnection with wireless communication device 2001 included in basestation 2000 in FIG. 20 upon receiving a response from wirelesscommunication device 2001 included in base station 2000 in FIG. 20 .

As 1306 in FIG. 21 illustrates, terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 transmitsinformation on the connection destination to wireless communicationdevice 2001 included in base station 2000 in FIG. 20 using radio waves.

Then, as 1307 in FIG. 21 illustrates, wireless communication device 2001included in base station 2000 in FIG. 20 obtains information to betransmitted to terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 from the network.

As 1308 in FIG. 21 illustrates, wireless communication device 2001included in base station 2000 in FIG. 20 transmits the obtainedinformation to terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 using radio waves, and terminal1050 in FIG. 20 obtains the information.

For example, when necessary, terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 obtains requiredinformation from the network via wireless communication device 2001included in base station 2000 in FIG. 20 .

As described above, based on the SSID information and the encryption keyinformation transmitted from an element related to the LED lamp, lightsource, and/or light that emits visible light in the base station, theterminal connects to the base station (or AP) and obtains information,whereby an advantageous effect that it is possible to securely obtaininformation via the base station (or AP) whose security has beenauthenticated can be achieved. This is because, when information from avisible light modulated signal is obtained, since it is visible light,the user can easily determine whether the source of information issecure or not.

For example, when an SSID is obtained from a modulated signaltransmitted by a wireless LAN over radio waves, it is difficult for theuser to determine which device transmitted the radio waves. Accordingly,from the viewpoint of ensuring information security, obtaining the SSIDvia visible light communication is more suitable.

Note that in this embodiment, an element related to the LED lamp, lightsource, and/or light that emits visible light in the base station isexemplified as transmitting encryption key information, but, forexample, when the base station (or AP) does not perform encryptedcommunication using an encryption key, the element related to the LEDlamp, light source, and/or light that emits visible light in the basestation can transmit only the information related to an SSID withouttransmitting the encryption key information, that is, the elementrelated to the LED lamp, light source, and/or light that emits visiblelight in the base station may be implemented without the configurationrelated to an encryption key.

As illustrated in FIG. 20 , the SSID and encryption key for wirelesscommunication device 2001 included in base station 2000 may beoverwritten. For example, in FIG. 20 , information 1001-1 related to anSSID and information 1001-2 related to an encryption key are received asinputs by wireless communication device 2001. Wireless communicationdevice 2001 included in base station 2000 overwrites the SSID andencryption key as per the input information 1001-1 related to an SSIDand information 1001-2 related to an encryption key. With this, thesecurity of the communication between the terminal and wirelesscommunication device 2001 included in base station 2000 is assured(however, in FIG. 20 , although wireless communication device 2001included in base station 2000 has a function of being able to overwritethe SSID and encryption key, wireless communication device 2001 includedin base station 2000 may have a configuration in which this function isnot included).

Moreover, the configuration of an element related to the LED lamp, lightsource, and/or light that emits visible light in the base station is notlimited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 20 , the configurationof the terminal is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG.20 , and the configuration of the connection destination of the wirelesscommunication device included in the base station is not limited to theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 20 .

In this embodiment, although only one base station (or AP) isexemplified in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 20 , a plurality of(secure) base stations (or APs) accessible by the terminal may beincluded (note that the wireless communication devices in these basestations transmit and receive modulated signals using radio waves).Here, the symbol related to an SSID transmitted by an element related tothe LED lamp, light source, and/or light that emits visible light inFIG. 20 may include information indicating the SSIDs of the plurality ofwireless communication devices in the base stations (or APs). Moreover,the symbol related to an encryption key transmitted by an elementrelated to the LED lamp, light source, and/or light that emits visiblelight in FIG. 20 may include encryption key information used to connectto the plurality of wireless communication devices in the base stations(or APs). Terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 may select a wireless communicationdevice in a base station (or AP) to wirelessly connect to (for example,over radio waves), based on the information on the SSIDs and encryptionkey information of the radio stations in the base stations (or connectto the plurality of wireless communication devices in the plurality ofbase stations (or APs)).

For example, assume there are three base stations (or APs) that includewireless communication devices. The wireless communication devices arenamed wireless communication device #A, wireless communication device#B, and wireless communication device #C. The SSID of wirelesscommunication device #A is “abcdef”, the SSID of wireless communicationdevice #B is “ghijk”, and the SSID of wireless communication device #Cis “pqrstu”, the encryption key for connecting with wirelesscommunication device #A is “123”, the encryption key for connecting withwireless communication device #B is “456”, and the encryption key forconnecting with wireless communication device #C is “789”.

In such cases, symbol 600-1 related to an SSID in the frameconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 11 of the modulated signal transmittedby an element related to the LED lamp, light source, and/or light thatemits visible light in base station 200 includes information related tothe SSID “abcdef” of wireless communication device #A, the SSID “ghijk”of wireless communication device #B, and the SSID “pqrstu” of wirelesscommunication device #C. The symbol 1101 related to an encryption keyhaving the frame configuration illustrated in FIG. 11 includesinformation related to the encryption key “123” for connecting withwireless communication device #A, the encryption key “456” forconnecting with wireless communication device #B, and the encryption key“789” for connecting with wireless communication device #C.

Terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 receives symbol 600-1 related to an SSID andthus obtains the SSID “abcdef” of wireless communication device #A, theSSID “ghijk” of wireless communication device #B, and the SSID “pqrstu”of wireless communication device #C, receives symbol 1101 related to anencryption key and thus obtains the encryption key “123” for connectingwith wireless communication device #A, the encryption key “456” forconnecting with wireless communication device #B, and the encryption key“789” for connecting with wireless communication device #C. Then, basedon this information, terminal 1050 in FIG. 20 selects a base station (orAP) to wirelessly connect to (for example, via radio waves), andconnects to the selected base station (or AP).

As described in this embodiment, as a result of the terminal setting awireless communication device included in a base station to access usinga light source, exemplified here as an LED light source, a mode formaking a special setting for processes for establishing a wirelessconnection between the terminal and base station in the modulated signalfor connection over radio waves that is transmitted by the terminal isnot required, and a mode for snaking a special setting for processes forestablishing a wireless connection between the terminal and base stationin the modulated signal for connection over radio waves that istransmitted by the base station is not required, whereby an advantageouseffect that wireless communication data transmission efficiency improvescan be achieved.

As described above, the encryption key may be an encryption key for anSSID on a wireless LAN, may be an encryption key for restricting theform of connection used, the form of service used, and/or theconnectivity range of the network (in other words, any encryption keythat is restrictive is sufficient).

Embodiment 7

Here, an example in which there are a plurality of base stations andaccess control is performed will be given.

FIG. 22 illustrates one example of a configuration of a communicationsystem according to this embodiment. The communication systemillustrated in FIG. 22 includes, for example; device 1000 including anLED light source, lamp, light source, and/or light that emits visiblelight; terminal 1050; and, for example, base station #1 470-1, basestation #2 470-2, and base station #3 470-3 that communicate withterminal 1050. Note that in FIG. 22 , operations that are the same as inFIG. 1 , FIG. 4 , and FIG. 10 share like reference marks.

Device 1000 in FIG. 22 includes, for example, an LED lamp, light source,and/or light that emits visible light. Note that device 1000 is referredto as a “fifth device” in this embodiment. Note that communicationbetween wireless communication device wireless communication device 453and base station #1 470-1, between wireless communication device 453 andbase station #2 470-2, and between wireless communication device 453 andbase station #3 470-3 in FIG. 22 is performed using, for example, radiowaves.

In fifth device 1000 in FIG. 22 , transmission unit 102 receives inputsof information 1001-1 related to an SSID, information 1001-2 related toan encryption key, and data 1002, and based on these input signals,generates a modulated signal (for optical communication), and outputsmodulated signal 103. For example, modulated signal 103 is transmittedfrom light source 104.

Next, information 1001-1 related to an SSID and information 1001-2related to an encryption key will be described.

First, information 1001-1 related to an SSID will be described.

For example, information 1001-1 related to an SSID is informationindicating the SSID of base station (or AP) 470-1 in FIG. 22 , the SSIDof base station (or AP) 470-2 in FIG. 22 , and the SSID of base station(or AP) 470-3 in FIG. 22 . Note that, in this example, base stations (orAPs) 470-1, 470-2, and 470-3 transmit modulated signals over radiowaves, and receive radio wave modulated signals. In other words, fifthdevice 1000 can provide access to base stations 470-1, 470-2, and 470-3,which are secure access destinations for the terminal. With this,terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 can achieve the advantageous effect of beingable to securely obtain information from base stations (or APs) 470-1,470-2, and 470-3.

On the other hand, device 1000 can restrict the terminals that accessbase stations 470-1, 470-2, and 470-3 to terminals in a space in whichit is possible to receive optical signals transmitted (emitted) bydevice 1000. Note that when terminal 1050 receives an optical signaltransmitted via a predetermined scheme, it may be determined that thenotified SSID is the SSID of a secure base station, and, alternatively,processing for determining whether the SSID is secure or not may beperformed. For example, device 1000 may transmit a predeterminedidentifier in an optical signal, and the terminal may determine whetherthe notified SSID is the SSID of a secure base station or not based onthe received identifier.

Note that the configuration in FIG. 22 illustrates base stations (or AP)470-1, 470-2, and 470-3, but one or more base stations (or APs) otherthan base stations (or AP) 470-1, 470-2, and 470-3 may also be included.

Information 1001-2 related to an encryption key is information relatedto an encryption key required for terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 to establishcommunication with base stations (or AP) 470-1, 470-2, and 470-3 in FIG.22 . Encrypted communication is possible between the terminal and basestation (or AP) 470-1, between the terminal and base station (or AP)470-2, and between the terminal and base station (or AP) 470-3 as aresult of terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 obtaining this information from fifthdevice 1000 in FIG. 22 .

Terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 receives the modulated signal transmitted byfifth device 1000. Note that in terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 , componentsthat operate the same as terminal 150 in FIG. 1 and terminal 450 in FIG.4 share like reference marks.

Light receiver 151 included in terminal 1050, examples of which includean image sensor such as a CMOS or organic CMOS image sensor, receivesthe modulated signal transmitted by fifth device 1000. Reception unit153 receives an input of reception signal 152 received by light receiver151, performs processing such as demodulation and error correctiondecoding on the reception signal, and outputs reception data 154.

Data analyzer 155 receives an input of reception data 154, and outputs,based on the reception data, for example, information 1051 on the SSIDsof the base stations (470-1, 470-2, and 470-3) to the connected to, andinformation 1052 on the encryption keys for communication with the basestations (470-1, 470-2, and 470-3) to be connected to. For example, in awireless local area network (LAN), examples of encryption schemesinclude wired equivalent privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi protected access (WPA),and Wi-Fi protected access 2 (WPA2) (pre-shared key (PSK) mode, extendedauthentication protocol (EAP) mode). However, the encryption method isnot limited to these examples.

Display 157 receives inputs of information 1051 on the SSID andinformation 1052 on the encryption key, and, for example, displays theSSID of the communication partner to be accessed by wirelesscommunication device 453 included in the terminal, and the encryptionkey (this display is referred to as a “first display” in thisembodiment).

For example, after the first display, wireless communication device 453included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 receives inputs of information 1051on the SSID and information 1052 on the encryption key, and establishesa connection with any one of base stations (or APs) 470-1, 470-2, and470-3 (for example, the connection uses radio waves). Here, when thebase station also communicates with wireless communication device 453 interminal 1050 in FIG. 22 , the base station transmits a modulated signalusing, for example, radio waves.

Thereafter, wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050in FIG. 22 receives inputs of data 1053 and control signal 1054,demodulates data 1053 in accordance with control signal 1054, andtransmits a modulated signal as radio waves.

Then, for example, the base station (or AP) connected to transmits datato the network (any one of 471-1, 471-2, and 471-3) and receives data(any one of 472-1, 472-2, and 472-3) from the network. Thereafter, forexample, the base station connected to transmits, to terminal 1050 inFIG. 22 , a modulated signal as radio waves.

Wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 22performs processing such as demodulation and error correction decodingon the modulated signal received as radio waves to obtain reception data1056. Display 157 displays a display based on reception data 1056.

Terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 receives the modulated signal transmitted byfifth device 1000. Note that in terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 , componentsthat operate the same as terminal 150 in FIG. 1 and terminal 450 in FIG.4 share like reference marks.

Light receiver 151 included in terminal 1050, examples of which includean image sensor such as a CMOS or organic CMOS image sensor, receivesthe modulated signal transmitted by fifth device 1000. Reception unit153 receives an input of reception signal 152 received by light receiver151, performs processing such as demodulation and error correctiondecoding on the reception signal, and outputs reception data 154.

Data analyzer 155 receives an input of reception data 154, and outputs,based on the reception data, for example, information 1051 on the SSIDsof the base stations (470-1, 470-2, and 470-3) to be connected to, andinformation 1052 on the encryption keys for communication with the basestations (470-1, 470-2, and 470-3) to be connected to. For example, in awireless local area network (LAN), examples of encryption schemesinclude wired equivalent privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi protected access (WPA),and Wi-Fi protected access 2 (WPA2) (pre-shared key (PSK) mode, extendedauthentication protocol (EAP) mode). However, the encryption method isnot limited to these examples.

Display 157 receives inputs of information 1051 on the SSIDs andinformation 1052 on the encryption keys, and, for example, displays theSSID and of the communication partner to be accessed by wirelesscommunication device 453 included in the terminal, and the encryptionkey (this display is referred to as a “first display” in thisembodiment).

For example, after the first display, wireless communication device 453included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 10 receives inputs of information 1051on the SSIDs and information 1052 on the encryption keys, andestablishes a connection with any one of base stations (or APs) 470-1,470-2, and 470-3 (for example, the connection uses radio waves). Here,when the base station also communicates with wireless communicationdevice 453 in terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 , the base station transmits amodulated signal using, for example, radio waves.

Thereafter, wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050in FIG. 22 receives inputs of data 1053 and control signal 1054,demodulates data 1053 in accordance with control signal 1054, andtransmits a modulated signal as radio waves.

Then, for example, the base station (or AP) connected to transmits datato the network (any one of 471-1, 471-2, and 471-3) and receives data(any one of 472-1, 472-2, and 472-3) from the network. Thereafter, forexample, the base station connected to transmits, to terminal 1050 inFIG. 22 , a modulated signal as radio waves.

Wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 22performs processing such as demodulation and error correction decodingon the modulated signal received as radio waves to obtain reception data1056. Display 157 performs display based on reception data 1056.

Assume, in the case of FIG. 22 , there are three types of frameconfigurations as modulated signals transmitted by fifth device 1000 inFIG. 22 . FIG. 23 illustrates frame #1 2300-1, which is one of the threetypes of frame configurations, FIG. 24 illustrates frame configuration#2 2300-2, which is one of the three types of frame configurations, andFIG. 25 illustrates frame configuration #3 2300-3, which is one of thethree types of frame configurations.

FIG. 23 illustrates one example of the configuration of frame #1 2300-1of a modulated signal transmitted by fifth device 1000 in FIG. 22 . InFIG. 23 , time is represented on the horizontal axis, and symbols thatare the same as in FIG. 2 and FIG. 11 share like reference marks.Accordingly, repeated description thereof will be omitted. Frame #12300-1 in FIG. 23 is a frame for transmitting information on the SSID ofbase station #1 470-1 in FIG. 22 and an encryption key for base station#1 470-1 (an encryption key for accessing base station #1 470-1) in FIG.22 .

Symbol 2301-1 related to an SSID in FIG. 23 is a symbol for transmittinginformation 1001-1 related to an SSID in FIG. 22 . Moreover, symbol2301-1 related to an SSID in FIG. 23 is a symbol for fifth device 1000in FIG. 22 to transmit the SSID of base station #1 470-1 in FIG. 22 .

Symbol 2302-1 related to an encryption key in FIG. 23 is a symbol fortransmitting information 1001-2 related to an encryption key in FIG. 22. Moreover, symbol 2302-1 related to an encryption key in FIG. 23 is asymbol for fifth device 1000 in FIG. 22 to transmit an encryption keyfor base station #1 470-1 (an encryption key for accessing base station#1 470-1) in FIG. 22 .

Fifth device 1000 transmits preamble 201, control information symbol202, symbol 2301-1 related to an SSID, symbol 2302-1 related to anencryption key, and data symbol 1102. Note that fifth device 1000 inFIG. 22 may transmit frame #1 2300-1 including symbols other than thesymbols illustrated in FIG. 23 . Moreover, the configuration of frame #12300-1, including the order in which the symbols are transmitted, is notlimited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 23 .

FIG. 24 illustrates one example of the configuration of frame #2 2300-2of a modulated signal transmitted by fifth device 1000 in FIG. 22 . InFIG. 24 , time is represented on the horizontal axis, and symbols thatare the same as in FIG. 2 and FIG. 11 share like reference marks.Accordingly, repeated description thereof will be omitted. Frame #22300-2 in FIG. 24 is a frame for transmitting information on the SSID ofbase station #2 470-2 in FIG. 22 and an encryption key for base station#2 470-2 (an encryption key for accessing base station #2 470-2) in FIG.22 .

Symbol 2301-2 related to an SSID in FIG. 24 is a symbol for transmittinginformation 1001-1 related to an SSID in FIG. 22 . Moreover, symbol2301-2 related to an SSID in FIG. 24 is a symbol for fifth device 1000in FIG. 22 to transmit the SSID of base station #2 470-2 in FIG. 22 .

Symbol 2302-2 related to an encryption key in. FIG. 24 is a symbol fortransmitting information 1001-2 related to an encryption key in FIG. 22. Moreover, symbol 2302-2 related to an encryption key in FIG. 24 is asymbol for fifth device 1000 in FIG. 22 to transmit an encryption keyfor base station #2 470-2 (an encryption key for accessing base station#2 470-2) in FIG. 22 .

Fifth device 1000 transmits preamble 201, control information symbol202, symbol 2301-2 related to an SSID, symbol 2302-2 related to anencryption key, and data symbol 1102. Note that fifth device 1000 inFIG. 22 may transmit frame #2 2300-2 including symbols other than thesymbols illustrated in FIG. 24 . Moreover, the configuration of frame #22300-2, including the order in which the symbols are transmitted, is notlimited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 24 .

FIG. 25 illustrates one example of the configuration of frame #3 2300-3of a modulated signal transmitted by fifth device 1000 in FIG. 22 . InFIG. 25 , time is represented on the horizontal axis, and symbols thatare the same as in FIG. 2 and FIG. 11 share like reference marks.Accordingly, repeated description thereof will be omitted. Frame #32300-3 in FIG. 25 is a frame for transmitting information on the SSID ofbase station #3 470-3 in FIG. 22 and an encryption key for base station#3 470-3 (an encryption key for accessing base station #3 470-3) in FIG.22 .

FIG. 25 illustrates one example of the configuration of frame #3 2300-3of a modulated signal transmitted by fifth device 1000 in FIG. 22 . InFIG. 25 , time is represented on the horizontal axis, and symbols thatare the same as in FIG. 2 and FIG. 11 share like reference marks.Accordingly, repeated description thereof will be omitted. Frame #32300-3 in FIG. 25 is a frame for transmitting information on the SSID ofbase station #3 470-3 in FIG. 22 and an encryption key for base station#3 470-3 (an encryption key for accessing base station #3 470-3) in FIG.22 .

Symbol 2301-3 related to an SSID in FIG. 25 is a symbol for transmittinginformation 1001-1 related to an SSID in FIG. 22 . Moreover, symbol2301-3 related to an SSID in FIG. 25 is a symbol for fifth device 1000in FIG. 22 to transmit the SSID of base station #3 470-3 in FIG. 22 .

Symbol 2302-3 related to an encryption key in FIG. 25 is a symbol fortransmitting information 1001-2 related to an encryption key in FIG. 22. Moreover, symbol 2302-3 related to an encryption key in FIG. 25 is asymbol for fifth device 1000 in FIG. 22 to transmit an encryption keyfor base station #3 470-3 (an encryption key for accessing base station#3 470-3) in FIG. 22 .

Fifth device 1000 transmits preamble 201, control information symbol202, symbol 2301-3 related to an SSID, symbol 2302-3 related to anencryption key, and data symbol 1102. Note that fifth device 1000 inFIG. 22 may transmit frame #3 2300-3 including symbols other than thesymbols illustrated in FIG. 25 . Moreover, the configuration of frame #32300-3, including the order in which the symbols are transmitted, is notlimited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 25 .

FIG. 26 illustrates an example of a transmission method used by fifthdevice 1000 in FIG. 22 upon transmitting frame #1 2300-1 in FIG. 23 ,frame #2 2300-2 in FIG. 24 , and frame #3 2300-3 in FIG. 25 . In FIG. 26, time is represented on the horizontal axis.

In FIG. 26 , in the frame #1 group transmissions of 2601-1 and 2601-2,one or more of frames #1 2300-1 illustrated in FIG. 23 are transmitted.In the frame #2 group transmissions of 2602-1 and 2602-2, one or more offrames #2 2300-2 in FIG. 24 are transmitted. In the frame #3 grouptransmissions of 2603-1 and 2603-2, one or more of frames #3 2300-3 inFIG. 25 are transmitted.

This will be described in more detail next.

The recitation “in the frame #1 group transmissions of 2601-1 and2601-2, one or more of frames #1 2300-1 illustrated in FIG. 23 aretransmitted” above will be described.

For example, when an image sensor, such as a CMOS or organic CMOS imagesensor is used in light receiver 151, it is possible to process thereception signal in units of frames in moving or still images. Notethat, for example, when a moving picture is labeled as “4K 30p”, thenumber of pixels of one frame is 3840×2160, and the moving pictureincludes 30 frames per second.

Accordingly, when fifth device 1000 in FIG. 22 transmits a modulatedsignal including frame #1 2300-1 in FIG. 23 , frame #2 2300-2 in FIG. 24, and frame #3 2300-3 in FIG. 25 in a single frame, terminal 1050 inFIG. 22 has difficulty in selecting a base station to access from amongthe plurality of base stations.

In view of this, a frame configuration such as illustrated in FIG. 26 isproposed.

(Method 1-1)

Method 1-1 makes the time interval that frame #1 group transmissionoccupies longer than a frame of a still or moving picture by including aplurality of frames #1 2300-1 illustrated in FIG. 23 , in frame #1 grouptransmissions of 2601-1 and 2601-2.

This method makes it possible for terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 to easilyselect a base station to access from among the plurality of basestations since terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 can prevent the reception of amodulated signal including, in a single frame of a still or movingpicture, frame #1 2300-1 in FIG. 23 , frame #2 2300-2 in FIG. 24 , andframe #3 2300-3 in FIG. 25 , by fifth device 1000.

(Method 2-1)

Method 2-1 makes the time interval that frame #1 2300-1 in FIG. 23occupies longer than a frame of a still or moving picture. For example,symbol 2301-1 related to an SSID in FIG. 23 may include a plurality ofitems of the information on the SSID for base station #1 (theinformation on the SSID for base station #1 is repeatedly included), orsymbol 2302-1 related to an encryption key may include a plurality ofitems of the information on the encryption key for base station #1 (theencryption key for connecting with base station #1) (the information onthe encryption key for base station #1 (the encryption key forconnecting with base station #1) is repeatedly included).

This method makes it possible for terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 to easilyselect a base station to access from among the plurality of basestations since terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 can prevent the reception of amodulated signal including, in a single frame of a still or movingpicture, frame #1 2300-1 in FIG. 23 , frame #2 2300-2 in FIG. 24 , andframe #3 2300-3 in FIG. 25 , by fifth device 1000.

Similarly, frame #2 group transmissions of 2602-1 and 2602-2 may havethe following configurations.

(Method 1-2)

Method 1-2 makes the time interval that frame #2 group transmissionoccupies longer than a frame of a still or moving picture by including aplurality of frames #2 2300-2 illustrated in FIG. 24 , in frame #2 grouptransmissions of 2602-1 and 2602-2.

(Method 2-2)

Method 2-2 makes the time interval that frame #2 2300-2 in FIG. 24occupies longer than a frame of a still or moving picture. For example,symbol 2301-2 related to an SSID in FIG. 24 may include a plurality ofitems of the information on the SSID for base station #2 (theinformation on the SSID for base station #2 is repeatedly included), orsymbol 2302-2 related to an encryption key may include a plurality ofitems of the information on the encryption key for base station #2 (theencryption key for connecting with base station #2) (the information onthe encryption key for base station #2 (the encryption key forconnecting with base station #2) is repeatedly included).

Similarly, frame #3 group transmissions of 2603-1 and 2603-2 may havethe following configurations.

(Method 1-3)

Method 1-3 makes the time interval that frame #3 group transmissionoccupies longer than a frame of a still or moving picture by including aplurality of frames #3 2300-3 illustrated in FIG. 25 , in frame #3 grouptransmissions of 2603-1 and 2603-2.

(Method 2-3)

Method 2-3 makes the time interval that frame #3 2300-3 in FIG. 25occupies longer than a frame of a still or moving picture. For example,symbol 2301-3 related to an SSID in FIG. 25 may include a plurality ofitems of the information on the SSID for base station #3 (theinformation on the SSID for base station #3 is repeatedly included), orsymbol 2302-3 related to an encryption key may include a plurality ofitems of the information on the encryption key for base station #3 (theencryption key for connecting with base station #3) (the information onthe encryption key for base station #3 (the encryption key forconnecting with base station #3) is repeatedly included).

Next, the advantageous effects achieved when fifth device 1000 in FIG.22 transmits a frame, such as those illustrated in FIG. 23 through FIG.26 , will be described.

Consider area 2700 in FIG. 27 . Fifth devices 1000 having theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 22 are disposed at circles 2701-1,2701-2, 2701-3, 2701-4, 2701-5, 2701-6, 2701-7, 2701-8, 2701-8, 2701-9,and 2701-10. Base station #1 470-1 in FIG. 22 is disposed at doublecircle 2702-1, base station #2 470-2 in FIG. 22 is disposed at doublecircle 2702-2, and base station #3 470-3 in FIG. 22 is disposed atdouble circle 2702-3.

For example, 99 terminals having the configuration of 1050 in FIG. 22are present in the area indicated as 2703.

Here, for example, fifth devices 2701-5 and 2701-10 both transmitinformation on the SSID of base station #3 470-3 and information on theencryption key for access to base station #3 470-3 (since the basestation closest to fifth devices 2701-5 and 2701-10 is base station #3470-3).

In such cases, all of the 99 terminals having the configuration of 1050in FIG. 22 will access base station #3 470-3 in FIG. 22 . This meansthere is a high probability that the terminals having the configurationof 1050 in FIG. 22 will have difficulty accessing base station #3 470-3in FIG. 22 .

Taking this point into consideration, by making it so that the 99terminals having the configuration of 1050 in FIG. 22 access basestation #1 470-1 (2702-1) in FIG. 22 , base station #2 470-2 (2702-2) inFIG. 22 , and base station #3 470-3 (2702-3) in FIG. 22 as evenly aspossible, it is possible to achieve the advantageous effect of areduction in terminals having difficulty accessing a base station, asdescribed above.

In this embodiment, when fifth device 1000 in FIG. 22 transmits a frame,such as those illustrated in FIG. 23 through FIG. 26 , the 99 terminalshaving the configuration of 1050 in FIG. 22 typically access fifthdevice 1000 in FIG. 22 at different timings, so the 99 terminals havingthe configuration of 1050 in FIG. 22 access base station #1 470-1(2702-1) in FIG. 22 , base station #2 470-2 (2702-2) in FIG. 22 , andbase station #3 470-3 (2702-3) in FIG. 22 as evenly as possible.Accordingly, the previously-described advantageous effect of a reductionin terminals having difficulty accessing a base station can be achieved.

Note that although FIG. 26 illustrates an example of a transmissionmethod used upon fifth device 1000 in FIG. 22 transmitting frame #12300-1 in FIG. 23 , frame #2 2300-2 in FIG. 24 , and frame #3 2300-3 inFIG. 25 , the transmission method used upon fifth device 1000 in FIG. 22transmitting frame #1 2300-1 in FIG. 23 , frame #2 2300-2 in FIG. 24 ,and frame #3 2300-3 in FIG. 25 is not limited to this example.

For example, in FIG. 26 , the order of frame #1 group transmission,frame #2 group transmission, and frame #3 group transmission isrepeated, but the order in which frame #1 group transmission, frame #2group transmission, and frame #3 group transmission are transmitted isnot limited to the example given in FIG. 26 . For example, thetransmission of frame group #1, the transmission of frame group #2, andthe transmission of frame group #3 may be temporally randomized, and,alternatively, the order of the transmission of frame group #1, thetransmission of frame group #2, and the transmission of frame group #3may be a regular order different than the example given in FIG. 26 . Itis sufficient so long as fifth device 1000 in FIG. 22 transmits frame #1group, frame #2 group, and frame #3 group.

Moreover, in FIG. 26 , frame #1 group transmission, frame #2 grouptransmission, and frame #3 group transmission are exemplified as beingperformed consecutively, but these transmissions do not necessarily needto be performed consecutively. For example, in FIG. 26 , there may be atime interval between frame #1 group transmission 2601-1 and frame #2group transmission 2602-2.

In FIG. 26 , the example includes only frame #1 group transmission,frame #2 group transmission, and frame #3 group transmission, but othersymbols and/or frames may be included. Furthermore, in FIG. 26 and FIG.22 , there are three base stations, but the number of base stations isnot limited to this example. As long as there are two or more basestations, they can operate the same as when there are three.Accordingly, for example, when there are N base stations (N is aninteger of 2 or more), when transmission such as that illustrated inFIG. 26 is performed, frame #k group transmission is performed. Notethat k is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equalto N. Then, in the transmission of frame #k group, there is a symbolrelated to an SSID (information on the SSID of base station #k) and asymbol related to an encryption key (information on an encryption keyfor base station #k).

FIG. 12 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame of amodulated signal transmitted by wireless communication device 453included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 . In FIG. 12 , time is representedon the horizontal axis. As illustrated in FIG. 12 , wirelesscommunication device 453 included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 transmits,for example, preamble 1201, and then transmits control informationsymbol 1202 and information symbol 1203.

Here, preamble 1201 is a symbol used for base stations (or APs) 470-1,470-2, and 470-3 that receive the modulated signal transmitted bywireless communication device 453 in terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 toperform, for example, signal detection, time synchronization, framesynchronization, frequency synchronization, and frequency offsetestimation.

Control information symbol 1202 includes data such as informationrelated to the error correction encoding scheme method and/ordemodulation scheme used in the generation of the modulated signal,information related to frame configuration, and information related tothe transmission method used, and base stations (or APs) 470-1, 470-2,and 470-3, for example, demodulate the modulated signal based on theinformation included in control information symbol 1202.

Information symbol 1203 is a symbol for wireless communication device453 included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 to transmit data.

Note that wireless communication device 453 included in terminal 1050 inFIG. 22 may transmit a frame including symbols other than the symbolsillustrated in FIG. 12 (for example, a frame including a pilot symbol(reference symbol) midway through the information symbol). Moreover, theframe configuration, including the order in which the symbols aretransmitted, is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12 , a plurality of symbols may be present along the frequencyaxis, that is to say, symbols may be present on a plurality offrequencies (a plurality of carriers).

FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a configuration of a frame of amodulated signal transmitted by base stations 470-1, 470-2, and 470-3 inFIG. 22 . In FIG. 7 , time is represented on the horizontal axis. Asillustrated in FIG. 7 , base stations 470-1, 470-2, and 470-3 transmit,for example, preamble 701, and then transmit control information symbol702 and information symbol 703.

Here, preamble 701 is a symbol for wireless communication device 453included in terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 , which receives the modulatedsignals transmitted by base stations 470-1, 470-2, and 470-3, toperform, for example, signal detection, time synchronization, framesynchronization, frequency synchronization, and/or frequency offsetestimation.

Control information symbol 702 includes data such as information relatedto the error correction encoding scheme method and/or demodulationscheme used in the generation of the modulated signal, informationrelated to frame configuration, and information related to thetransmission method used, and wireless communication device 453 includedin terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 , for example, demodulates the modulatedsignal based on the information included in the control informationsymbol.

Information symbol 703 is a symbol for base stations (or APs) 470-1,470-2, and 470-3 in FIG. 22 to transmit data.

Note that base stations (or APs) 470-1, 470-2, and 470-3 in FIG. 22 maytransmit a frame including symbols other than the symbols illustrated inFIG. 7 (for example, a frame including a pilot symbol (reference symbol)midway through the information symbol). Moreover, the frameconfiguration, including the order in which the symbols are transmitted,is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7 . In FIG. 7 ,a plurality of symbols may be present along the frequency axis, that isto say, symbols may be present on a plurality of frequencies (aplurality of carriers).

FIG. 28 is a flow chart illustrating one example of processesimplemented by fifth device 1000, terminal 1050, and base station #X (orAP #X) in FIG. 22 . Note that X is 1, 2, or 3.

First, as 2801 in FIG. 28 illustrates, fifth device 1000 in FIG. 22transmits a modulated signal having the frame configuration illustratedin FIG. 26 .

Likewise, as 2802 in FIG. 28 illustrates, the modulated signaltransmitted by fifth device 1000 in FIG. 22 is received, and terminal1050 in FIG. 22 selects the base station to be accessed by terminal 1050from among base station #1 470-1, base station #2 470-2, and basestation #3 470-3 in FIG. 22 .

This point will be discussed next. Terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 attempts toaccess a base station, and receives a modulated signal transmitted byfifth device 1000 in FIG. 22 . Here, for example, in one frame of amoving or still picture, any one of frame #1 group transmission, frame#2 group transmission, and frame #3 group transmission in FIG. 26 isobtained. Then, from the obtained information on the base station (forexample, the SSID), terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 determines which of basestation #1 470-1, base station #2 470-2, and base station #3 470-3 inFIG. 22 to access.

As 2803 in FIG. 28 illustrates, the modulated signal transmitted byfifth device 1000 in FIG. 22 is received, and terminal 1050 in FIG. 22obtains the SSID of base station #X to be accessed by terminal 1050.

Likewise, as 2804 in FIG. 28 illustrates, terminal 1050 in FIG. 22obtains an encryption key to be used for communicating with base station#X to be accessed by the terminal.

Terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 then requests connection with base station #Xover radio waves (2805).

As 2806 in FIG. 28 illustrates, terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 completes theconnection with base station #X upon receiving a response from basestation #X.

As 2807 in FIG. 28 illustrates, terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 transmitsinformation on the connection destination to base station #X using radiowaves.

Then, as 2808 in FIG. 28 illustrates, base station #X obtainsinformation to be transmitted to terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 from thenetwork.

As 2809 in FIG. 28 illustrates, base station #X transmits the obtainedinformation to terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 using radio waves, and terminal1050 in FIG. 22 obtains the information.

For example, when necessary terminal 1050 in FIG. 22 obtains requiredinformation from the network via base station #X.

As described above, based on the SSID information and the encryption keyinformation transmitted from the fifth device, the terminal connects tothe base station (or AP) and obtains information, whereby anadvantageous effect that it is possible to securely obtain informationvia the base station (or AP) whose security has been authenticated canbe achieved. This is because, when information from a visible lightmodulated signal is obtained, since it is visible light, the user caneasily determine whether the source of information is secure or not.

For example, when an SSID is obtained from a modulated signaltransmitted by a wireless LAN over radio waves, it is difficult for theuser to determine which device transmitted the radio waves. Accordingly,from the viewpoint of ensuring information security, obtaining the SSIDvia visible light communication is more suitable.

Note that in this embodiment, the fifth device is exemplified astransmitting encryption key information, but, for example, when the basestation (or AP) does not perform encrypted communication using anencryption key, the fifth device can transmit only the informationrelated to an SSID without transmitting the encryption key information,that is, the fifth device may be implemented without the configurationrelated to an encryption key.

Moreover, the configuration of the fifth device is not limited to theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 22 , the configuration of the terminalis not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 22 , and theconfigurations of the connection destination of base stations #1, #2,and #3 are not limited to the configurations illustrated in FIG. 22 .

Accordingly, when a configuration such as the one described in thisembodiment is implemented, when there are a plurality of terminals in agiven area, an advantageous effect of a reduction in terminals havingdifficulty accessing a base station can be achieved.

Note that in FIG. 27 , the frame configurations of the modulated signalstransmitted by the fifth devices disposed at circles 2701-1, 2701-2,2701-3, 2701-4, 2701-5, 2701-6, 2701-7, 2701-8, 2701-8, 2701-9, and2701-10 may all be the same as illustrated in FIG. 26 , the frameconfigurations of the modulated signals transmitted by the fifth devicesmay be mutually different, and two or more of the fifth devices maytransmit modulated signals having the same frame configuration.

Embodiment 8

According to the above embodiments, the transmission device thatincludes a light source or lamp and transmits modulated optical signalsmay be configured to obtain, from an external device such as a server,data to be transmitted using modulated optical signals, and update thetransmission data thereupon. The reason why is because it achieves theadvantageous effect that data desired by the user or device can besequentially updated.

Hereinafter, an example of a communication system related to the abovewill be described.

FIG. 29 illustrates one example of a configuration of a device relatedto modulated optical signal transmission according to this embodiment.The device related to modulated optical signal transmission includes apower line communication (PLC) communication device 2900, andcommunication device 2950 that transmits modulated optical signals.

Modulator 2903 in the PLC communication device 2900 receives inputs ofdata 2901 and control signal 2902, and based on information on the errorcorrection encoding method (error correction code, encode rate, codelength (block length) etc.) and modulation scheme included in controlsignal 2902, performs error correction encoding and performs mappingbased on the set modulation scheme to generate and output modulatedsignal 2904.

Note that data 2901 shall include data transmitted in a modulatedoptical signal transmitted by device 2950.

Transmission unit 2905 receives an input of modulated signal 2904, andimplements signal processing to generate and output transmission signal2906. Note that transmission unit 2905 may implement signal processingrelated to an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) schemeto generate and output a transmission signal 2906 based on the OFDMscheme. Moreover, transmission unit 2905 may implement signal processingrelated to a wavelet OFDM scheme to generate and output a transmissionsignal 2906 based on the wavelet OFDM scheme. However, although theabove describes an OFDM or wavelet OFDM multi-carrier schemetransmission signal, the transmission signal is not limited to thisexample, and may be a single-carrier or a spread spectrum transmissionsignal. Note that the wavelet OFDM scheme is described in H. Koga, N.Kodama, and T. Konishi, “High-speed power line communication systembased on wavelet OFDM,” Proc. of ISPLC 2003, and S. Galli, H. Koga, andN. Kodama, “Advanced signal processing for PLCs: Wavelet-OFDM,” Proc. of2008 IEEE International Symposium on Power Line Communications and ItsApplications.

One characteristic of the PLC communication device 2900 is that thetransmission signal is a signal having a frequency spectrum from directcurrent (DC) to N[Hz]. Note that N is a real number that is greater than0. However, the spectrum of the transmission signal is not limited tobeing present in all frequencies from direct current (DC) to N[Hz].Accordingly, transmission unit 2905 may have a configuration in which itdoes not include a frequency converter (radio frequency (RF) unit).

Transmission signal 2006 travels over a power line and is input intocommunication device 2950 as reception signal 2908. The power line overwhich transmission signal 2006 travels also provides power to device2950. Demodulator 2953 receives an input of reception signal 2908,performs decoding processing such as demapping and/or error correctiondecoding, and outputs reception data 2954.

Storage 2955 receives an input of reception data 2954, and when storage2955 determines that reception data 2954 is updated data, stores a partof all of reception data 2954. Transmission unit 2957 receives an inputof stored data 2956.

Note that storage 2955 may use control signal 2990 to determine whetherreception data 2954 is updated data.

Transmission unit 2957 receives an input of stored data 2956, andperforms processing such as modulation to generate and outputtransmission signal 2958. Here, frequency conversion is not performed(accordingly, transmission signal 2958 is a signal having a frequencyspectrum from DC to P[Hz] (P is a real number that is greater than 0)).

AC-DC converter 2951 receives an input of reception signal 2980,converts AC reception signal 2980 to a DC signal, and outputs convertedsignal 2952.

Signal selector 2960 receives inputs of transmission signal 2958,converted signal 2952, and control signal 2959, selects one oftransmission signal 2958 and converted signal 2952 based on controlsignal 2959, and outputs the selection as selected signal 2961. Selectedsignal 2961 is then transmitted from light source 2962.

Note that when signal selector 2960 selects converted signal 2952 asselected signal 2961, selected signal 2961 may include a signal otherthan converted signal 2952.

As described above, selective switching is performed to transmit eithertransmission signal 2958 or converted signal 2952, whereby theadvantageous effect that data that the user or device desires can beobtained is achievable. Moreover, by transmitting, for example,emergency, unexpected, or necessary information using converted signal2952, the advantageous effect that it is possible to obtain data thatthe user or device desired with increased flexibility can be achieved.Moreover, by AC-DC converting the modulated signal generated for PLC useand transmitting the converted signal as a modulated optical signal, itis possible to relay PLC modulated signal with a modulated opticalsignal using small-scale circuitry (since a PLC modulated signal has thefrequency spectrum as described above), which makes it possible toachieve the advantageous effect that data desired by a greater amount ofusers and devices can be transmitted.

FIG. 30 illustrates one example of a configuration of a device relatedto modulated optical signal transmission according to this embodiment,which differs from the configuration illustrated in FIG. 29 . Note thatin FIG. 30 , objects that operate the same as in FIG. 29 share likereference marks. Accordingly, repeated description thereof will beomitted.

Transmission device 3003 receives inputs of data 3001 and external data3002, and performs processing such as error correction encoding andmodulation to generate and output transmission signal 3004. Note thatexternal data 3002 shall include, for example, instruction informationfor updating data stored in storage 2955. In other words, communicationdevice 2950 shall transmit, to communication device 2900, a request toupdate data stored in storage 2955.

Transmission signal 3004 travels over transmission channel 3005, and isinput into communication device 2900 as reception signal 3006.

Reception device 3007 receives an input of reception signal 3006,performs processing such as demapping and/or error correction decoding,and outputs reception data 3008.

Modulator 2903 determines whether to transmit updated information instorage 2955 based on information on the request to update data instorage 2955 from communication device 2950 that is included inreception data 3008.

The above operations make it possible for the communication systemillustrated in FIG. 30 to achieve the same advantageous effects as thosedescribed with reference to FIG. 29 .

Hereinafter, one example of operations performed by AC-DC converter 2951described above will be given.

AC-DC converter 2951 splits reception signal 2980 into an AC powercomponent having an AC power frequency of, for example, 50 Hz or 60 Hz,and a signal component having a frequency higher than the AC powerfrequency. The splitting of the reception signal 2980 into an AC powercomponent and a signal component can be accomplished using, for example,a frequency filter such as a high-pass filter, low-pass filter, orbandpass filter, or any combination thereof.

AC-DC converter 2951 generates a DC power component by implementing, onthe split AC power component, an AC-DC conversion that converts the ACpower component into a DC power component. AC-DC converter 2951generates converted signal 2952 by superimposing the split signalcomponent onto the DC power component. Here, the process forsuperimposing the signal component onto the DC power component isperformed by, for example, coupling the signal component to the powerline that supplies the DC power component via, for example, a couplingtransformer.

Note that the DC power component onto which the signal component issuperimposed need not be obtained by converting the AC power componentinto the DC power component; the signal component may be superimposed ona DC power component generated using a different configuration that isincluded in communication device 2950 and not illustrated in thedrawings. Moreover, converted signal 2952 may be a signal that includesa signal component that does not include the DC power component.

Moreover, AC-DC converter 2951 may perform processing such asamplification using an amplifier on the split signal component. Withthis configuration, the strength (or amplitude) of the signal componentincluded in the modulated optical signal transmitted from light source2962 can be controlled, so there is a possibility that reception qualityof the modulated optical signal will improve.

Note that in the description that refers to FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 , thePLC communication device 2900 is exemplified as superimposing a PLCsignal onto power line 2907 that supplies AC power, but communicationdevice 2900 may superimpose the PLC signal onto power line 2907 thatsupplies DC power. Such a configuration makes it possible to simplifythe configuration of communication device 2950 since communicationdevice 2950 can, without including AC-DC converter, supply the signalcomponent, i.e., the DC power superimposed with the PLC signal to signalselector 2960 and light source 2962 as converted signal 2952.

Note that in the above description, it is described that the PLCtransmission signal has a frequency spectrum from direct current (DC) toN[Hz], but the spectrum is not limited to being present in allfrequencies. Hereinafter, one example of such a PLC transmission signalwill be described.

For example, the PLC signal may be a signal for communication usingfrequencies from 10 kHz to 450 kHz, known as low-speed PLC, and may be asignal for communication using frequencies from 2 MHz to 30 MHz or from2 MHz to 80 MHz, known as high-speed PLC. Moreover, in part of thefrequency band used for communication, only power lower than otherfrequencies may be output, or a notch band, which is a frequency bandthat is not used for communication, may be provided. When a PLC signalhaving a notch band is transmitted as the modulated optical signal, anoptical signal intensity-modulated with a modulated signal in which thecomponents corresponding to the notch band are suppressed istransmitted. Note that methods that can be used to provide a notch bandin the PLC transmission signal include a method of controlling the notchband signal component using a frequency filter such as a bandelimination filter, or a method of generating a modulated signal thatdoes not include a notch hand sub carrier using a Wavelet-OFDMmulti-carrier scheme having deep filter characteristics.

Note that in the above description, PLC communication using a power lineis exemplified as the transmission path, but a cable other than a powerline, such as a coaxial cable, twisted pair cable, or telephone line,may be used as the transmission path.

Embodiment 9

In this embodiment, one example of configurations of the transmissiondevice and the reception device described in the present specificationwill be described. Note that a characterizing feature of thetransmission device in this embodiment is the transmission of aplurality of modulated optical signals.

FIG. 31 illustrates an example of configurations of the transmissiondevice and the reception device according to this embodiment. In FIG. 31, transmission device 3100 transmits a plurality of modulated opticalsignals, and reception device 3150 receives a plurality of modulatedoptical signals to obtain reception data.

The transmission device illustrated in FIG. 31 transmits M modulatedoptical signals. Note that M is an integer that is greater than or equalto 2.

Transmission unit 3102_i receives inputs of data 3101_i and controlsignal 3105, and based on information related to the error correctionencoding method and information related to the transmission methodincluded in control signal 3105, implements signal processing based onthe error correction encoding and transmission method to generate andoutput modulated optical signal 3103_i. Note that i is an integer thatis greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M.

Modulated optical signal 3103_i is transmitted from light source 3104_i.

Light receiver 3151, one example of which is an image sensor, receiveslight corresponding to modulated optical signal 3103_i. Here, lightreceiver 3151 receives light corresponding to the M modulated opticalsignal.

Light receiver 3151 outputs optical reception signal 3152_icorresponding to modulated optical signal 3103_i. Note that i is aninteger greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M.

Reception unit 3153_i receives an input of optical reception signal3152_i corresponding to modulated optical signal 3103_i, performsprocessing such as demodulation and error correction decoding, andoutputs reception data 3154_i corresponding to data 3101_i.

Data obtainer 3155 receives inputs of data 3154_1, data 3154_2, . . . ,and data 3154_M, and generates and outputs data 3156.

FIG. 32 illustrates an example of configurations of the transmissiondevice and the reception device according to this embodiment, whichdiffer from FIG. 31 . Note that in FIG. 32 , configurations that operatein the same manner as FIG. 31 share like reference signs.

Splitter 3202 receives inputs of information 3201 and control signal3105, and based on information related to the error correction encodingmethod included in control signal 3105, performs error correctionencoding on information 3201 to generate error correction encoded data.Splitter 3202 then splits the error correction encoded data and outputserror correction encoded data A2001_i.

Note that the splitting of the data into M items of error correctionencoded data 3101_i may be performed using any method. For example, theerror correction encoded data may be split into M items and a datasequence of the split M items of data may be allocated as the M items oferror correction encoded data 3101_i. Moreover, M data sequencesconfigured of the same data may be generated based on the errorcorrection encoded data, and the data sequences may be allocated as theitems of error correction encoded data 3101_i. The method of allocatingthe error correction encoded data 3101_i is not limited to theseexamples, any method may be used so long as M data sequences aregenerated from the error correction encoded data, and the data sequencesare allocated as the items of error correction encoded data 3101_i.

Transmission unit 3102_i receives inputs of data 3101_i and controlsignal 3105, and based on information related to the transmission methodincluded in control signal 3105, implements signal processing based onthe transmission method to generate and output modulated optical signal3103_i. Note that i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and lessthan or equal to M.

Modulated optical signal 3103_i is transmitted from light source 3104_i.

Light receiver 3151, one example of which is an image sensor, receiveslight corresponding to modulated optical signal 3103_i. Here, lightreceiver 3151 receives light corresponding to the M modulated opticalsignal.

Light receiver 3151 outputs optical reception signal 3152_icorresponding to modulated optical signal 3103_i. Note that i is aninteger greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M.

Reception unit 3153_i receives an input of optical reception signal3152_i corresponding to modulated optical signal 3103_i, performsprocessing such as demodulation, and outputs (the log-likelihood ratioof) reception data 3154_i corresponding to data 3101_i.

Error correction decoder 3251 receives inputs of (the log-likelihoodratio of) reception data 3154_1, (the log-likelihood ratio of) receptiondata 3154_2, . . . , and (the log-likelihood ratio of) reception data3154_M, performs error correction decoding, and outputs reception data3252.

Each of the above embodiments in the present specification can becarried out in the same manner using the above-described transmissiondevice and reception device and still achieve the same advantageouseffects described in the respective embodiments.

Embodiment 10

In this embodiment, a configuration of a device related to modulatedoptical signal transmission that is different from the device related tomodulated optical signal transmission described in Embodiment 8 withreference to FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 will be described.

FIG. 33 illustrates one example of a configuration of a device relatedto modulated optical signal transmission that is different from FIG. 29and FIG. 30 . Note that in FIG. 33 , objects that operate the same as inFIG. 29 share like reference marks. Accordingly, repeated descriptionthereof will be omitted.

A characterizing feature of FIG. 33 is that communication device 2900transmits a modulated optical signal.

Light source transmission unit 3301 receives an input of modulatedsignal 2904, and implements signal processing for the light source, andgenerates and outputs modulated optical signal 3302. Modulated opticalsignal 3302 is emitted from light source 3303 as light.

Reception device 3305 receives reception signal 3304 corresponding tothe modulated optical signal, and implements processing such asdemodulation and error correction decoding to obtain reception data.

With the above configuration, the advantageous effects described inEmbodiment 8 can be achieved, and as a result of communication device2900 receiving the modulated optical signal, it is possible for morecommunication devices to obtain information.

FIG. 34 illustrates one example of a configuration of a device relatedto modulated optical signals that is different from FIG. 29 , FIG. 30 ,and FIG. 33 . Note that in FIG. 34 , objects that operate the same as inFIG. 29 and FIG. 33 share like reference marks. Accordingly, repeateddescription thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 34 differs from FIG. 33 in that modulated optical signal 3401 isgenerated by transmission unit 2905. Accordingly, transmission unit 2905receives an input of modulated signal 2904, and generates and outputstransmission signal 2906 for PLC and transmission signal 3401 foroptical communication (visible light communication). Note that,transmission signal 2906 for PLC and transmission signal 3401 foroptical communication (visible light communication) are both signalshaving a frequency spectrum from DC to N[Hz] (N is a real number that isgreater than 0). However, the spectrum of the transmission signals arenot limited to being present in all frequencies from DC to N[Hz].Transmission signal 3401 for optical communication (visible lightcommunication) is emitted from light source 3303 as light.

With the above configuration, the advantageous effects described inEmbodiment 8 can be achieved, and as a result of communication device2900 receiving the modulated optical signal, it is possible for morecommunication devices to obtain information.

FIG. 35 illustrates one example of a configuration of a transmissiondevice related to modulated optical signals that is different from FIG.29 , FIG. 30 , and FIG. 33 . Note that in FIG. 35 , objects that operatethe same as in FIG. 29 , FIG. 30 , and FIG. 33 share like referencemarks. Accordingly, repeated description thereof will be omitted. Notethat since the components in FIG. 35 have already been described,repeated description thereof will be omitted.

With the above configuration, the advantageous effects described inEmbodiment 8 can be achieved, and as a result of communication device2900 receiving the modulated optical signal, it is possible for morecommunication devices to obtain information.

FIG. 36A illustrates one example of a configuration of a transmissiondevice related to modulated optical signals that is different from FIG.29 , FIG. 30 , FIG. 33 , and FIG. 34 . Note that in FIG. 36A, objectsthat operate the same as in FIG. 29 , FIG. 30 , FIG. 33 , and FIG. 34share like reference marks. Accordingly, repeated description thereofwill be omitted. Note that since the components in FIG. 36A have alreadybeen described, repeated description thereof will be omitted.

With the above configuration, the advantageous effects described inEmbodiment 8 can be achieved, and as a result of communication device2900 receiving the modulated optical signal, it is possible for morecommunication devices to obtain information.

Supplemental Information 2

Note that at least one of the field programmable gate array (FPGA) andcentral processing unit (CPU) may be configured to be able to downloadall or part of software required for implementing the communicationmethod described in the present disclosure via wireless or wiredcommunication, and moreover may be configured to be able to download allor part of software for receiving updates via wireless or wiredcommunication. The downloaded software may be stored in storage, and thedigital signal processing described in the present disclosure may beimplemented by operating at least one of the FPGA and CPU based on thestored software.

Here, a device including at least one of the FPGA and CPU may beconnected to a telecommunications modem via a wireless or wiredconnection, and the communication method described in the presentdisclosure may be implemented by the device and the telecommunicationsmodern.

For example, a communication device, such as the base station, AP,terminal described in the present specification may include at least oneof an FPGA and a CPU, and may include an interface for obtainingsoftware for operating the at least one of an FPGA and a CPU from anexternal source. Furthermore, the communication device may includestorage for storing software obtained from an external source, and mayimplement the signal processing described in the present disclosure byoperating the FPGA and/or CPU based on the stored software.

The transmission device described in the present specification may beincluded in a first automobile or vehicle, and the reception devicedescribed in the present specification may be included in a secondautomobile or vehicle, and the transmission and receiving of data may beimplemented under such a configuration.

The transmission device or part of the functions of the transmissiondevice described in the present specification may be connected to thefirst automobile or vehicle via an interface, and the reception deviceor part of the functions of the reception device described in thepresent specification may be connected to the second automobile orvehicle via an interface, and the transmission of data may beimplemented via transmission and reception thereby.

The transmission device described in the present specification may beincluded in a first automobile or vehicle, and the transmission andreceiving of data between this transmission device and the receptiondevice described in the present specification may be implemented undersuch a configuration.

The reception device described in the present specification may beincluded in a second automobile or vehicle, and the transmission andreceiving of data between this reception device and the transmissiondevice described in the present specification may be implemented undersuch a configuration.

Furthermore, the transmission device or part of the functions of thetransmission device described in the present specification may beconnected to the first automobile or vehicle via an interface, and thetransmission and receiving of data between this string of transmissiondevices and the reception device described in the present specificationmay be implemented under such a configuration.

The reception device or part of the functions of the reception devicedescribed in the present specification may be connected to the secondautomobile or vehicle via an interface, and the transmission andreceiving of data between this string of reception devices and thetransmission device described in the present specification may beimplemented under such a configuration.

When the automobile or vehicle includes the transmission device or partof the transmission device described in the present specification, orwhen the automobile or vehicle and the transmission device described inthe present specification or part of the functions of the transmissiondevice described in the present specification are connected via aninterface, the light source included in the transmission devicedescribed in the present specification may be a light source included inthe automobile or vehicle.

For example, automobile B100 illustrated in FIG. 36B includes lightsources B101_1, B101_2, B101_3, and B101_4, and one or more of theselight sources may be the light source to be used by the transmissiondevice according to the present specification for transmitting themodulated optical signal.

Moreover, the function for selecting which light source among theplurality of light sources included in automobile B100 the transmissiondevice according to the present specification uses for transmitting themodulated optical signal may be included in the transmission device or adevice connected to the transmission device. Moreover, the brightness ofthe light source, the angle of emission of the light source, thepositioning of the light source may be configurable.

When the automobile or vehicle includes the reception device or part ofthe reception device described in the present specification, or when theautomobile or vehicle and the reception device described in the presentspecification or part of the functions of the reception device describedin the present specification are connected via an interface, the lightreceiver included in the reception device described in the presentspecification may be a light receiver included in the automobile orvehicle (for example, an image sensor or photodiode).

For example, automobile B100 illustrated in FIG. 36C includes lightreceivers B201_1, B201_2, B201_3, B201_4, B201_5, and B201_6, and one ormore of these light receivers may be the light receiver to be used bythe reception device according to the present specification forreceiving the modulated optical signal.

Moreover, the function for selecting which light receiver among theplurality of light receivers included in automobile B100 the receptiondevice according to the present specification uses for receiving themodulated optical signal may be included in the reception device or adevice connected to the reception device. Moreover, the angle of thelight receiver and the positioning of the light receiver may beconfigurable.

Furthermore, the reception device described in the present specificationmay display, on the front panel included in the automobile or in thecockpit of the vehicle, a notification indicating that data has beenreceived. Moreover, the reception device described in the presentspecification may notify a user that data has been received by vibratingthe steering wheel of, for example, the automobile, or vibrating avibrator included on the steering wheel.

Moreover, an automobile including the reception device according to thepresent specification and the terminal may be connected via aninterface, and data obtained from the reception device may be stored instorage included in the terminal. Moreover, the automobile may alsoinclude a storage, and the automobile may store received data therein.Moreover, the storage included in the terminal and the storage includedin the automobile may both store received information.

In the present specification, a server may provide an applicationrelated to processes pertaining to the reception device, and thefunctions of the reception device according to the present specificationmay be implemented by the terminal installing the application. Note thatthe application may be provided to the terminal by the communicationdevice including in the transmission device according to the presentspecification connecting to a server over a network, and may be providedto the terminal by a communication device including a differenttransmission function connecting to a server over a network.

Similarly, in the present specification, a server may provide anapplication related to processes pertaining to the transmission device,and the functions of the transmission device according to the presentspecification may be implemented by the terminal installing theapplication. Note that a method in which the application is provided toa different communication device by the communication device connectingto a server over a network is conceivable.

Moreover, a server may provide software related to the light sourceincluded in the transmission device and the light receiver included inthe reception device, and transmission and reception of the modulatedoptical signal by the light source included in the transmission deviceand the light receiver included in the reception device, respectively,may be supported by obtaining this software.

Furthermore, the transmission device according to the presentspecification may function as a server, and an application included inthe transmission device may be provided to the communication deviceusing some communication means, and the reception device according tothe present specification can be implemented by the application obtainedby the communication device downloading the application.

Note that in the present specification, there is reference to a “lamp”and a “light source”, but the method may be a method of a projectordisplaying, for example, a still picture, moving picture, oradvertisement, and the modulated optical signal being included in thatlight. In other words, the “lamp” and a “light source” may includefunctions other than the emission of light. Moreover, the “lamp” and a“light source” may comprise a plurality of lamps and light sources.

Furthermore, the transmission method used by the communication devicethat generates a modulated optical signal and emits light may be amethod other than the transmission method described in the presentspecification. Moreover, the modulated optical signal may includeinformation other than what is described in the present specification.

Moreover, the lamp and/or light source, such as an LED lamp and/or lightsource, may itself include the functions of the transmission devicedescribed in the present specification.

Furthermore, the device that generates the optical transmissionmodulated signal may not include a lamp or light source, and may beconnected to a lamp and/or light source via an interface.

The communication method between the transmission device and thereception device described in the present embodiment may be thecommunication method illustrated in FIG. 36D. Hereinafter, FIG. 36D willbe described.

The symbol mapper receives an input of transmission data, performsmapping based on a modulation scheme, and outputs a symbol sequence(ci).

The pre-equalizer receives an input of the symbol sequence, performspre-equalizing processing on the symbol sequence to reduce theequalizing processes on the reception-side, and outputs a pre-equalizedsymbol sequence.

The Hermitian symmetry processor receives an input of the pre-equalizedsymbol sequence, allocates sub-carriers to the pre-equalized symbolsequence to secure Hermitian symmetry, and outputs parallel signals.

The inverse (fast) Fourier transformer receives inputs of the parallelsignals, applies an inverse (fast) Fourier transform to the parallelsignals, and outputs inverse (fast) Fourier transformed signals.

The parallel serial and cyclic prefix adder receives an input of theinverse (fast) Fourier transformed signals, performs parallel conversionand adds cyclic prefix, and outputs the signal-processed signal.

The digital-to-analog converter receives an input of thesignal-processed signal, performs digital-to-analog conversion, outputsan analog signal, and the analog signal is emitted as light from, forexample, one or more LEDs.

Note that the pre-equalizer and the Hermitian symmetry processor neednot be included. In other words, there may be instances in which thepre-equalizer and the Hermitian symmetry processor do not perform theirrespective processes.

The photodiode receives an input of light, and obtains a receptionsignal via a transimpedance amplifier (TTA).

The analog-to-digital converter performs an analog-to-digital conversionon the reception signal, and outputs a digital signal.

The cyclic prefix subtractor and serial parallel converter receives aninput of the digital signal, subtracts the cyclic prefix, and thenperforms serial parallel conversion, and receives an input of parallelsignals.

The (fast) Fourier transformer receives inputs of the parallel signals,applies a (fast) Fourier transform to the parallel signals, and outputs(fast) Fourier transformed signals.

The detector receives inputs of the (fast) Fourier transformed signals,performs detection, and outputs a series of reception symbols.

The symbol demapper receives an input of the series of receptionsymbols, performs demapping, and obtains a series of reception data.

In this way, even when such a transmission device that transmits themodulated optical signals and such a reception device that receives themodulated optical signals are applied to the amendments according to thepresent specification, the embodiments can be implemented in the samemanner.

Moreover, the communication method between the transmission device andthe reception device described in the present embodiment may be thefollowing communication method.

Line Scan Sampling

An image sensor such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)sensor is included in a smartphone or digital camera or the like. Forexample, the entire scene in a single image captured by the CMOS sensoris not captured at a single instant, but rather, for example, capturedline by line using a rolling shutter method, whereby the sensor readsout the amount of light received line by line. Accordingly, the amountof time required for the reading out is calculated, and exposure startand end times are controlled for each line by implementing a time delay.In other words, images captured by the CMOS sensor are constructed froma plurality of lines captured with a slight time lag between each line.

This exploits the rolling shutter scheme of the CMOS sensor to allow foran improvement in visible light signal reception speeds.

In other words, in a first example of a visible light communicationscheme, as illustrated in FIG. 36E, utilizing the slight time lagbetween the exposure period of each line, the luminance and color of thelight source across a plurality of points in time can be calculated lineby line from a single image (image captured by the image sensor), makingit possible to capture a signal modified faster than the frame rate ofthe image sensor.

This sampling method is referred to as “line scan sampling”, and asingle row of pixels exposed at the same time is referred to as an“exposure line”.

Note that line scan sampling can be implemented using the rollingshutter scheme of a CMOS sensor, but even when the rolling shutterscheme is implemented using a sensor other than a CMOS sensor, such as acharge-coupled device (CCD) sensor or an organic CMOS sensor, the linescan sampling can be implemented in the same manner.

However, in the settings used when capturing an image in the camerafunctions (capturing functions for moving or still images), even if arapidly flashing light source is captured, the flashing will not appearas a striped pattern extending along the exposure lines. This isbecause, with this setting, the exposure period is sufficiently longerthan the flash cycle of the light source, so, as illustrated in FIG.36F, the changes in luminance resulting from the flashing (lightemission pattern) of the light source are uniform, resulting in asubstantially small variation in pixel values between exposure lines,producing approximately an uniform image.

In contrast, as illustrated in FIG. 36G, by setting the exposure periodequal to or slower than the flash cycle of the light source, the state(light emission pattern) of the flashing of the light source can beobserved as variations in luminance between exposure lines.

For example, the exposure lines are designed to extend parallellengthwise relative to the image sensor. In such cases, as one example,assuming the frame rate is 30 frames per second (fps), when theresolution is 1920×1080, at least 32400 samples are obtained per second,and when the resolution is 3840×2160, at least 64800 samples areobtained per second.

Line Scan Sampling Application Example

Note that the above described line scan sampling in which a signalindicating an amount of light received per line is read out, but methodsof sampling an optical signal using an image sensor such as a CMOSsensor are not limited to this example. A variety of methods that canobtain a sampled signal at a sampling rate that is higher than the framerate used to capture a normal moving picture, can be used as thesampling method to be used to receive the optical signals. For example,a method of controlling the exposure time per pixel and reading out asignal or a method of controlling the exposure time per group of pixelsarranged in a shape other than a line and reading out a signal may beused by utilizing a global shutter method that has a shutter functionfor each pixel. Moreover, a method of reading out signals a plurality oftimes from the same pixel in a period equivalent to one frame in theframe rate used in the capture of a normal moving picture may be used.

Frame Sampling

Furthermore, with a frame rate method that gives a shutter method foreach non-pixel, it is possible to sample optical signals even in amethod by which the frame rate is sped up.

For example, the present specification can be implemented in any of theline scan sampling, line scan sampling application example, and framesampling methods described above.

Light Source and Modulation Scheme

With visible light communication, for example, a light emitting diode(LED) can be used as a transmitter. LEDs are commonly used in lamps andin backlit light sources in displays, and can flash at high speeds.

However, light sources that are used as visible light communicationtransmitters cannot be allowed to flash uncontrolled when performingvisible light communication. If the changes in luminance made forvisible light communication are recognizable to the human eye, theoriginal functionality of a light source as a lamp will be lost.Accordingly, the transmission signal needs to be emitted at a desiredbrightness and needs to be imperceptible to the human eye.

One modulation scheme that meets these requirements is 4-pulse positionmodulation (4 PPM). As illustrated in FIG. 36H, 4 PPM is a scheme inwhich two bits are represented by a group of four time slots eachindicating either bright or dark light emitted by a light source.Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 36H, in 4 PPM, each group of the fourtime slots includes three slots and one dark slot. Accordingly,regardless of the content of the signal, the average brightness (averageluminance) is ¾=75%.

For comparison, as a similar scheme, consider the Manchester codingscheme illustrated in FIG. 36I. In the Manchester coding scheme, one bitis expressed with two states, and the modulation efficiency is 50%,which is the same as 4 PPM, but among the two states, one is bright andone is dark, so the average luminance is ½=50%. In other words, 4 PPM ismore suitable than the Manchester coding scheme as a visible lightcommunication scheme. However, since communication capability is notadversely affected by changes in luminance from visible lightcommunication that are recognizable to the human eye, depending on theapplication, there may be no problem in using a method in which thechanges in luminance are recognizable to the human eye. Accordingly, thetransmitter (light source) may use, for example, an amplitude shiftkeying (ASK) method, a phase shift keying (PSK) method, or a pulseamplitude modulation (PAM) method to generate the modulated signal andpulse the light source to emit light.

Note that the communication method between the transmission device andthe reception device described in the present specification is notlimited to the above example. Even frequency-based wirelesscommunication methods such as optical, visible light, infrared,ultraviolet methods can be implemented in the same manner.

In the present specification, a symbol related to location or positioninformation, a symbol related to time information, a symbol related toan SSID, a symbol related to an access destination, and a symbol relatedto an encryption key are described using the terminology “symbol”, butthese may be referred to as “data” or “information” or “field” or “bit”or “region” instead of “symbol”, and the embodiments can be implementedin the same manner. They may be referred to as something other than“data” or “information” or “field” or “bit” or “region” as well.Moreover, the transmission device may transmit any type of symbolconfiguration, such as a symbol related to location or positioninformation, a symbol related to time information, a symbol related toan SSID, a symbol related to an access destination, and a symbol relatedto an encryption key. What is important is that data related to locationor position information, data related to time information, data relatedto an SSID, data related to an access destination, data related to anencryption key is transmitted to the communication partner.

In the present specification, in the transmission device that includes,for example, a light source and/or lamp, the light source may becomprised of a plurality of light sources, and/or the lamp may becomprised of a plurality of lamps.

Embodiment A1

In this embodiment, a reception method and reception system formodulated optical signals will be described.

FIG. 37 illustrates a system including a communication device accordingto this embodiment.

Communication device 3700 (for example, a terminal) is a device thatreceives modulated optical signals. Light receiver 3702 receives aninput of modulated optical signal 3701, and outputs reception signal3704.

Storage 3704 receives an input of, and stores, reception signal 3703.Storage 3704 outputs stored data as stored data 3705.

Transmission device 3707 receives inputs of data 3706 and stored data3705, performs processing such as error correction encoding andmodulation, and outputs modulated signal 3708.

Reception device 3701 in communication device 3750 (for example, a basestation or access point (AP)) receives an input of modulated signal 3708transmitted by communication device 3700. Reception device 3701 performsprocessing such as demodulation and error correction decoding, andoutputs reception data 3752.

Reception data 3752 is received as data 3771 by server 3772 via network3770.

Server 3772 receives an input of data 3771, performs, for example, anddemodulation and error correction decoding on modulated optical signal3701 to receive and output data 3773 included in modulated opticalsignal 3701.

Data 3773 is input into transmission device 3754 as data 3753 vianetwork 3770. Transmission device 3754 included in communication device3750 receives an input of data 3753, performs processing such as errorcorrection encoding and modulation, and outputs modulated signal 3755.

Reception device 3720 included in communication device 3700 receives aninput of modulated signal 3755, and performs processing such asdemodulation and error correction decoding to obtain and outputreception data 3721. Here, reception data 3721 is data included inmodulated optical signal 3701.

Description of the above operations in FIG. 37 will be described ingreater detail with reference to FIG. 38 .

In FIG. 38 , “terminal” corresponds to communication device 3700 in FIG.37 , “base station” corresponds to communication device 3750 in FIG. 37, and “server” corresponds to sever 3772 in FIG. 37 .

First, the terminal accesses the server via a base station (3801). Then,the server confirms that the terminal as has accessed it (3802).

The terminal then receives a modulated optical signal. The terminal thencreates data related to a modulated optical signal for transmission tothe server. However, this data is not the data that is included in themodulated optical signal.

Here, in order to be subsequently transmitted the server, the terminaltransmits, to the base station, the data related to a modulated opticalsignal (3803).

The base station receives the data related to a modulated optical signaltransmitted by the terminal (3804). The base station then transmits thisreception data to the server.

Then, the server obtains the data related to a modulated optical signaltransmitted by the base station (3806). Then, from the data related to amodulated optical signal, the server performs processing such asdemodulation and error correction decoding on the modulated opticalsignal to obtain data included in the modulated optical signal (3807).The server then transmits, to the base station, the data included in themodulated optical signal, that is to say, the data obtained from theprocessing such as the demodulation, and the base station transmits thisdata to the terminal (3808).

With this, the terminal obtains the reception data in the modulatedoptical signal.

With this, the light receiver, one example of which is an image sensor,and the terminal having a communication function for connecting with theserver can obtain the reception data in the modulated optical signalwithout needed to include therein another signal processor. Stateddifferently, the advantageous effect can be achieved whereby thereception data in the modulated optical signal can be received eventhough the scale of the circuitry in and the scale of computationperformed by the terminal is reduced.

Note that in this embodiment, the devices are referred to as a“terminal”, a “base station”, and a “server”, but these devices may bereferred to by other names; the system may be configured of devices thatinclude communication functions. Moreover, the reception method of themodulated optical signal described in this embodiment can be applied asthe reception method for the modulated optical signal described in thepresent specification.

Embodiment A2

In this embodiment, a video provision method that uses modulated opticalsignals will be described.

FIG. 39A illustrates a first example of a system related to a videoprovision method that uses modulated optical signals according to thisembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 39A, the system includes communication system3970 and terminal 3980. Communication system 3970 includes: a pluralityof cameras 3971A, 3971B, . . . , and 3971N; server 3972; and a pluralityof transmission devices 3973A, 3973B, . . . , and 3973N.

The plurality of cameras 3971A, etc., generate image data via capturing.

Server 3972 stores image data generated by the plurality of cameras3971A, etc.

The plurality of transmission devices 3973A, etc., are provided inone-to-one correspondence with the plurality of cameras 3971A, etc., andeach of the plurality of transmission devices 3973A, etc., transmitslight including, as a visible light communication signal, informationrelated to communication for access to a storage location at which theimage data generated by the camera corresponding to the transmissiondevice is stored in the server.

For example, the information may include address information indicatingthe storage location of the stored image data. The address informationis, for example, a URL. For example, the address information can beincluded in a frame of the modulated optical signal as a symbolincluding access-related information.

For example, the information may include an encryption key used in theencryption of the communication for the terminal to access the storagelocation of the stored image data. For example, the encryption key canbe included in a frame of the modulated optical signal as a symbolrelated to an encryption key.

For example, the information may include an identifier of a base stationfor wireless communication for the terminal to access the storagelocation of the stored image data. The identifier of the base stationis, for example, an SSID. For example, the identifier of the basestation can be included in a frame of the modulated optical signal as asymbol related to an SSID.

For example, the information may include position information indicatingthe position of the location at which the image was captured. Positioninformation is, for example, an identifier that can uniquely specify aseat in a stadium. For example, the position information can be includedin a frame of the modulated optical signal as a symbol related toposition information.

Terminal 3980 includes reception device 3981 and transceiver device3982.

Reception device 3981 receives light including, as a visible lightcommunication signal, information indicating the storage location ofimage data.

Transceiver device 3982 receives image data from the storage locationindicated in the information received by reception device 3981.

Next, processes performed by the system will be described.

FIG. 39B is a flow chart illustrating an example of processes related tothe video provision method that uses modulated optical signals.

As illustrated in FIG. 39B, in step S3971, image data is generated bycapturing by the plurality of cameras 3971A, etc.

In step S3972, the image data generated by each of the plurality ofcameras 3971A, etc., is stored in server 3972.

Each of the plurality of transmission devices 3973A, etc., transmitslight including, as a visible light communication signal, informationrelated to communication for access to the storage location at which theimage data generated by the camera corresponding to the transmissiondevice is stored in server 3972.

In step S3981, light including information indicating the storagelocation of the image data is received as a visible light communicationsignal.

In step S3982, image data is received from the storage locationindicated in the received information.

Hereinafter, the system will be described in greater detail.

FIG. 39C illustrates a second example of a system related to a videoprovision method that uses modulated optical signals according to thisembodiment.

This system includes video provision system 3999 and terminals 3950_1and 3950_2. Video provision system 3999 corresponds to the communicationsystem described above.

First camera 3902_1 communicates with server 3905, transmits signal3903_1 including first captured data to server 3905, and server 3905transmits a signal including first data to first camera 3902_1.

Second camera 3902_2 communicates with server 3905, transmits signal3903_2 including second captured data to server 3905, and server 3905transmits a signal including second data to second camera 3902_2.

Third camera 3902_3 communicates with server 3905, transmits signal3903_3 including third captured data to server 3905, and server 3905transmits a signal including third data to third camera 3902_3.

Here, server 3905 provides a video or still image captured by firstcamera 3902_1 (corresponding to the first captured data) to, forexample, an accessed terminal. Similarly, server 3905 provides a videoor still image captured by second camera 3902_2 (corresponding to thesecond captured data) to, for example, an accessed terminal. Further,server 3905 provides a video or still image captured by third camera3902_3 (corresponding to the third captured data) to, for example, anaccessed terminal.

First transmission device 3901_1 includes a transmission device fortransmitting (emitting) a modulated optical signal, and a transmittedmodulated optical signal includes information on the access destinationof server 3905 for obtaining a video or still image captured by firstcamera 3902_1 (corresponding to the first captured data) (this accessdestination information is, for example, a uniform resource locator(URL)). Accordingly, as a result of the terminal receiving the modulatedoptical signal transmitted (emitted) by first transmission device3901_1, the terminal can obtain the access destination information forserver 3905, and thus obtain the video or still image captured by firstcamera 3902_1 (corresponding to the first captured data).

Second transmission device 3901_2 includes a transmission device fortransmitting (emitting) a modulated optical signal, and a transmittedmodulated optical signal includes information on the access destinationof server 3905 for obtaining a video or still image captured by secondcamera 3902_2 (corresponding to the second captured data) (this accessdestination information is, for example, a URL). Accordingly, as aresult of the terminal receiving the modulated optical signaltransmitted (emitted) by second transmission device 3901_2, the terminalcan obtain the access destination information for server 3905, and thusobtain the video or still image captured by second camera 3902_2(corresponding to the second captured data).

Third transmission device 3901_3 includes a transmission device fortransmitting (emitting) a modulated optical signal, and a transmittedmodulated optical signal includes information on the access destinationof server 3905 for obtaining a video or still image captured by thirdcamera 3902_3 (corresponding to the third captured data) (this accessdestination information is, for example, a URL). Accordingly, as aresult of the terminal receiving the modulated optical signaltransmitted (emitted) by third transmission device 3901_3, the terminalcan obtain the access destination information for server 3905, and thusobtain the video or still image captured by third camera 3902_3(corresponding to the third captured data).

Note that the video may include sound.

First communication device 3911_1 is a device that communicates with,for example, terminal 3950_1 or terminal 3950_2. Server 3905 outputssignal. 3906_1 (3909_1) including data, and first communication device3911_1 receives this as an input via network 3908_1. First communicationdevice 3911_1 then transmits this modulated signal 3912_1 includingdata.

On the other hand, first communication device 3911_1 receives receptionsignal 3913_1 from a terminal, performs signal processing such asdemodulation to obtain reception data, and outputs signal 3910_1including this data. Signal 3910_1 (3907_1) is input into server 3905via the network.

Second communication device 3911_2 is a device that communicates with,for example, terminal 3950_1 or terminal 3951_2. Server 3905 outputssignal 3906_2 (3909_2) including data, and second communication device3911_2 receives this as an input via network 3903_2. Secondcommunication device 3911_2 then transmits this modulated signal 3912_2including data.

On the other hand, second communication device 3911_2 receives receptionsignal 3913_2 from a terminal, performs signal processing such asdemodulation to obtain reception data, and outputs signal 3910_2including this data. Signal 3910_2 (3907_2) is input into server 3905via the network.

Terminal 3950_1 includes reception device 3951_1 that receives anddemodulates modulated optical signals and reception device 3954_1 thatcommunicates with first communication device 3911_1 and secondcommunication device 3911_2.

Reception device 3951_1 receives modulated optical signal 3952_1(received by first transmission device 3901_1 or second transmissiondevice 3901_2 or third transmission device 3901_3), and performsprocessing such as demodulation and error correction decoding onmodulated optical signal 3952_1 to obtain and output reception data3953_1.

Transceiver device 3954_1 receives inputs of data 3955_1 and (reception)data 3959_1, and performs signal processing such as error correctionencoding and modulation to generate and output modulated signal 3957_1.

Transceiver device 3954_1 also receives an input of reception signal3958_1 of the modulated signal transmitted by first communication device3911_1 and/or second communication device 3911_2, etc., performsprocessing such as demodulation and error correction decoding, andobtains and outputs reception data 3956_1.

Similarly, terminal 3950_2 includes reception device 3951_2 thatreceives and demodulates modulated optical signals and reception device3954_2 that communicates with first communication device 3911_1 andsecond communication device 3911_2.

Reception device 3951_2 receives modulated optical signal 3952_2(received by first transmission device 3901_1 or second transmissiondevice 3901_2 or third transmission device 3901_3), and performsprocessing such as demodulation and error correction decoding onmodulated optical signal 3952_2 to obtain and output reception data3953_2.

Transceiver device 3954_2 receives inputs of data 3955_2 and (reception)data 3953_2, and performs signal processing such as error correctionencoding and modulation to generate and output modulated signal 3957_2.

Transceiver device 3954_2 also receives an input of reception signal3958_2 of the modulated signal transmitted by first communication device3911_1 and/or second communication device 3911_2, etc., performsprocessing such as demodulation and error correction decoding, andobtains and outputs reception data 3956_2.

Next, the video provision method that uses modulated optical signals,and operations performed by the system illustrated in FIG. 39C will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 40 , FIG. 41 , and FIG. 42 .

FIG. 40 illustrates one example of a scene in, for example, a stadium.Assume a soccer match is taking place on field 4001. Moreover, assume agoal is being made in area 4002. Note that in FIG. 40 , devices thatcorrespond to those in FIG. 39C share like reference signs.

Assume first camera 3902_1, second camera 3902_2, third camera 3902_3,and fourth camera 3902_4 are set up so as to capture a video or stillimage of, for example, the match on the field or the spectators in thestands. Note that as operations pertaining to first camera 3902_1,second camera 3902_2, third camera 3902_3, and fourth camera 3902_4 havealready been described with reference to FIG. 39C, repeated descriptionwill be omitted.

First transmission device 3901_1, second transmission device 3901_2,third transmission device 3901_3, and fourth transmission device 3901_4are provided in correspondence with first camera 3902_1, second camera3902_2, third camera 3902_3, and fourth camera 3902_4. Note that asoperations pertaining to first transmission device 3901_1, secondtransmission device 3901_2, third transmission device 3901_3, and fourthtransmission device 3901_4 have already been described with reference toFIG. 39C, repeated description will be omitted. Here, first transmissiondevice 3901_1 may be set up near first camera 3902_1, secondtransmission device 3901_2 may be set up near second camera 3902_2,third transmission device 3901_3 may be set up near third camera 3902_3,and fourth transmission device 3901_4 may be set up near fourth camera3902_4. Moreover, first transmission device 3901_1, second transmissiondevice 3901_2, third transmission device 3901_3, and fourth transmissiondevice 3901_4 may also function to illuminate the field of the stadium.

In FIG. 40 , first terminal 3950_1 and the user of first terminal 3950_1are in the position indicated in FIG. 40 . From this position, there isa high probability that the goal being made in area 4002 is difficult tosee. Accordingly, assume the user of first terminal 3950_1 wishes toview a video or still image being captured by a camera near area 4002 ofthe goal, i.e., third camera 3902_3.

Therefore, assume the user faces the light receiver of reception device3951 in first terminal 3950_1 toward third camera 3902_3. With this,first terminal 3905_1 receives a modulated optical signal transmitted(emitted) by third transmission device 3901_3 disposed near third camera3902_3.

This results in first terminal 3905_1 obtaining the video or still imageinformation captured by third camera 3902_3, which will be described ingreater detail with reference to FIG. 41 and FIG. 42 .

FIG. 41 illustrates an example of the flow of processes performed byk-th camera 3902_k, k-th transmission device 3901_k, and server 3905.Note that in the example illustrated in FIG. 40 , k is 1 or 2 or 3 or 4.However, the number of cameras and transmission devices is not limitedto 4.

Moreover, in FIG. 39C and FIG. 40 , the device that transmits amodulated optical signal including information on (for example, the URLof) the access destination of server 3905 for obtaining the video orstill image captured by k-th camera 3902_k (corresponding to k-thcaptured data) is exemplified as a single device, but the device thattransmits a modulated optical signal including information on (forexample, the URL of) the access destination of server 3905 for obtainingthe video or still image captured by k-th camera 3902_k (correspondingto k-th captured data) may be a plurality of devices. Even in suchcases, the present disclosure can be implemented in the same manner.

As illustrated in FIG. 41 , k-th camera 3902_k captures a video or stillimage (4101).

k-th camera 3902_k then transmits the captured data to server 3905. k-thcamera 3902_k then transmits information on the access destination forwatching the video or still image on the server to k-th transmissiondevice 3901_k (4102).

Then, k-th transmission device 3901_k obtains the information on theaccess destination for watching the video or still image stored on theserver. k-th transmission device 3901_k then transmits (emits) amodulated optical signal including this information (4103).

Server 3905 stores and distributes the captured data transmitted by k-thcamera 3902_k (4104).

Note that in the example illustrated in FIG. 41 , k-th camera 3902_ktransmits access destination information for viewing the video or stillimage on the server to k-th transmission device 3901_k, but instead ofthis, k-th transmission device 3901_k may store in advance the accessdestination information for viewing the video or still image on theserver. As another method, the operation of k-th camera 3902_ktransmitting information on the access destination for watching thevideo or still image on the server to k-th transmission device 3901_k isnot limited to being performed at the timing exemplified in FIG. 41 ;the operation may be performed at any time.

FIG. 42 illustrates an example of a flow of operations performed byfirst terminal 3950_1, third transmission device 3902_3, and firstcommunication device 3911_1 when, in the scene illustrated in FIG. 40 ,first terminal 3950_1 attempts to obtain the video or still imageinformation captured by third camera 3902_3.

As illustrated in FIG. 42 , third transmission device 3901_3 obtainsinformation on the access destination for viewing the video or stillimage captured by third camera 3902_3, which is stored on server 3905.Third transmission device 3901_3 then transmits (emits) a modulatedoptical signal including this information (4201).

Since the user of first terminal 3950_1 wants to view a video or stillimage captured from the vicinity of third camera 3902_3, first terminal3950_1 attempts to receive a modulated optical signal emitted from thevicinity of third camera 3902_3, that is to say, a modulated opticalsignal transmitted by third transmission device 3901_3, and thenreceives the modulated optical signal (4202).

Then, since first terminal 3950_1 obtains information on the accessdestination for obtaining the video or still image captured by thirdcamera 3902_3 as a result of receiving the modulated optical signaltransmitted by third transmission device 3901_3, first terminal 3950_1uses transceiver device 3954_1 to request access to server 3905 viafirst communication device 3911_1 (4203).

First communication device 3911_1 receives modulated signal 3957_1transmitted by transceiver device 3954_1 included in first terminal3950_1. First communication device 3911_1 then knows of the request byfirst terminal 3950_1 for the data of the video or still image capturedby third camera 3902_3, accesses server 3905, and obtains theinformation of the video or still image captured by third camera 3902_3(4204).

First communication device 3911_1 then transmits modulated signal 3912_1including the information of the video or still image captured by thirdcamera 3902_3 (4205).

As a result, first terminal 3951_1 receives modulated signal 3912_1transmitted by first communication device 3911_1, and obtains theinformation of the video or still image captured by third camera 3902_3(4206).

In the example given for describing the scene in FIG. 40 , only a singlefirst terminal 3950_1 is exemplified as being present, but this exampleis not limiting. In other words, a plurality of terminals may, forexample, access the information of the video or still image captured bythird camera 3902_3.

Moreover, in FIG. 39C, two communication devices for accessing server3950, i.e., first communication device 3911_1 and second communicationdevice 3911_2, but the number of communication devices is not limited totwo; the number of communication devices may be one, and may be two ormore.

With the above, it is possible to achieve the advantageous effect that auser of a terminal can obtain desired video or still image data.

Next, an example of the frame configuration of the modulated signaltransmitted by the devices in FIG. 39C will be given.

FIG. 43 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of themodulated optical signal transmitted by first transmission device3901_1, second transmission device 3901_2, and third transmission device3901_3 in FIG. 39C. Time is represented on the horizontal axis. Forexample, k-th transmission device 3901_k transmits, in stated order:preamble 4301; a symbol including access-related information for thedata of the video or still image captured by the k-th camera; and datasymbol 4303.

Note that preamble 4301 shall include a symbol for performingsynchronization, such as time synchronization, by the reception deviceof the communication partner, a symbol for performing signal detectionby the reception device of the communication partner, and a symbolincluding control information necessary for the reception device of thecommunication partner to demodulate the various symbols (for example,information on the communication method, information on the modulationscheme, and/or information related to the error correction code).

Symbol 4302 including access-related information on the data of thevideo or still image captured by the k-th camera is a symbol fornotifying a reception device, which is the communication partner, ofinformation related to the access destination of the data of the videoor still image captured by the k-th camera.

Data symbol 4303 is a symbol for first transmission device 3901_1,second transmission device 3901_2, and third transmission device 3901_3to transmit data to terminals, such as first terminal 3950_1 and secondterminal 3950_2.

Note that in FIG. 43 , symbols may be arranged along the frequency axis,that is to say, the carrier axis. Accordingly, the modulated signal maybe a multi-carrier modulated signal such as an Orthogonal FrequencyDivision Multiplexing (OFDM) modulated signal, and symbols other thanthose shown in FIG. 43 may be included in the frame. Moreover, the orderin which the symbols are transmitted is not limited to the exampleillustrated in FIG. 43 .

FIG. 44 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of themodulated optical signal transmitted by first transmission device3901_1, second transmission device 3901_2, and third transmission device3901_3 in FIG. 39C, which differs from the example illustrated in FIG.43 . Time is represented on the horizontal axis. Note that in FIG. 44 ,objects that operate the same as in FIG. 43 share like reference marks.Accordingly, repeated description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 44 differs from FIG. 43 in regard to the inclusion in the frame ofsymbol 4401 related to an SSID. In other words, first transmissiondevice 3901_1, second transmission device 3901_2, and third transmissiondevice 3901_3 notify terminals, such as first terminal 3950_1 and secondterminal 3950_2, of the SSID of, for example, a wireless LAN that arethey can access. With this, a terminal can easily and securely connectto the wireless LAN. Note that since details regarding the method usedto access, for example, the wireless LAN, using symbol 4401 related toan SSID, have already been described in Embodiments 1 through 7,repeated description will be omitted.

With this, terminals such as first terminal 3950_1 and second terminal3950_2 can access the data of the video or still image captured by firstcamera 3902_1, the data of the video or still image captured by secondcamera 3902_2, and the data of the video or still image captured bythird camera 3902_3, via an access point such as a wireless LAN accesspoint.

Note that in such cases, first communication device 3911_1 and secondcommunication device 3911_2 in FIG. 39C are, for example, wireless LANaccess points. Moreover, in FIG. 44 , symbols may be arranged along thefrequency axis, that is to say, the carrier axis. Accordingly, themodulated signal may be a multi-carrier modulated signal such as an OFDMmodulated signal, and symbols other than those shown in FIG. 44 may beincluded in the frame. Moreover, the order in which the symbols aretransmitted is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 44 .

FIG. 45 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of themodulated optical signal transmitted by first transmission device3901_1, second transmission device 3901_2, and third transmission device3901_3 in FIG. 39C, which differs from the example illustrated in FIG.43 and FIG. 44 . Time is represented on the horizontal axis. Note thatin FIG. 45 , objects that operate the same as in FIG. 43 and FIG. 44share like reference marks. Accordingly, repeated description thereofwill be omitted.

FIG. 45 differs from FIG. 43 and FIG. 44 in regard to the inclusion inthe frame of symbol 4501 related to an encryption key. In other words,first transmission device 3901_1, second transmission device 3901_2, andthird transmission device 3901_3 notify terminals, such as firstterminal 3950_1 and second terminal 3950_2, of the SSID of, for example,a wireless LAN that are they can access, and the encryption key for thatwireless LAN. With this, a terminal can easily and securely connect tothe wireless LAN. Note that since details regarding the method used toaccess, for example, the wireless LAN, using symbol 4401 related to anSSID and symbol 4501 related to an encryption key, have already beendescribed in Embodiments 1 through 7, repeated description will beomitted.

With this, terminals such as first terminal 3950_1 and second terminal3950_2 can access the data of the video or still image captured by firstcamera 3902_1, the data of the video or still image captured by secondcamera 3902_2, and the data of the video or still image captured bythird camera 3902_3, via an access point such as a wireless LAN accesspoint.

Note that in such cases, first communication device 3911_1 and secondcommunication device 3911_2 in FIG. 39C are, for example, wireless LANaccess points. Moreover, in FIG. 45 , symbols may be arranged along thefrequency axis, that is to say, the carrier axis. Accordingly, themodulated signal may be a multi-carrier modulated signal such as an OFDMmodulated signal, and symbols other than those shown in FIG. 45 may beincluded in the frame. Moreover, the order in which the symbols aretransmitted is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 45 .

FIG. 46 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of themodulated optical signal transmitted by first transmission device3901_1, second transmission device 3901_2, and third transmission device3901_3 in FIG. 39C, which differs from the example illustrated in FIG.43 , FIG. 44 , and FIG. 45 . Time is represented on the horizontal axis.Note that in FIG. 46 , objects that operate the same as in FIG. 43 andFIG. 45 share like reference marks. Accordingly, repeated descriptionthereof will be omitted.

A characterizing feature of FIG. 46 is that the frame does not include asymbol related to an SSID and does include symbol 4501 related to anencryption key. Here, either of the following two methods may beapplied.

(First Method)

The transmission device that transmits a frame like that in FIG. 44 thatincludes symbol 4401 related to an SSID and the transmission device thattransmits a frame like that in FIG. 46 that includes symbol 4501 relatedto an encryption key are separate devices. The terminal receives themodulated optical signals from the two transmission devices, and canthereby access a communication device such as a wireless LANcommunication device.

With this, the terminal can access the data of the video or still imagecaptured by first camera 3902_1, the data of the video or still imagecaptured by second camera 3902_2, and the data of the video or stillimage captured by third camera 3902_3, via a communication device suchas a wireless LAN communication device.

Note in one of the frame configuration in FIG. 44 and the frameconfiguration in FIG. 46 need not include symbol 4302 includingaccess-related information for the data of the video or still imagecaptured by the k-th camera.

With this, terminals such as first terminal 3950_1 and second terminal3950_2 can access the data of the video or still image captured by firstcamera 3902_1, the data of the video or still image captured by secondcamera 3902_2, and the data of the video or still image captured bythird camera 3902_3, via an access point such as a wireless LAN accesspoint.

Note that in such cases, first communication device 3911_1 and secondcommunication device 3911_2 in FIG. 39C are, for example, wireless LANaccess points. Moreover, in FIG. 46 , symbols may be arranged along thefrequency axis, that is to say, the carrier axis. Accordingly, themodulated signal may be a multi-carrier modulated signal such as an OFDMmodulated signal, and symbols other than those shown in FIG. 46 may lieincluded in the frame. Moreover, the order in which the symbols aretransmitted is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 46 .

(Second Method)

Consider a situation in which a terminal is capable of obtaininginformation on an access point such as a wireless LAN access point. Insuch cases, assume the terminal receives a modulated optical signalhaving the frame configuration illustrated in FIG. 46 , and obtainssymbol 4501 related to an encryption key. With this, the terminal canconnect to an access point such as a wireless LAN access point. Withthis, terminals such as first terminal 3950_1 and second terminal 3950_2can access the data of the video or still image captured by first camera3902_1, the data of the video or still image captured by second camera3902_2, and the data of the video or still image captured by thirdcamera 3902_3, via an access point such as a wireless LAN access point.

Note that in such cases, first communication device 3911_1 and secondcommunication device 3911_2 in FIG. 39C are, for example, wireless LANaccess points. Moreover, in FIG. 46 , symbols may be arranged along thefrequency axis, that is to say, the carrier axis. Accordingly, themodulated signal may be a multi-carrier modulated signal such as an OFDMmodulated signal, and symbols other than those shown in FIG. 46 may beincluded in the frame.

By implementing the above, in order to obtain video or still imagecaptured at a position desired by the user, the user orients theterminal toward the position desired by the user, and the terminal canachieve the advantageous effect that the video or still image capturedat the position desired by the user with simple operations.

Embodiment A3

In this embodiment, a frame configuration will be described that isdifferent from the frame configurations described in Embodiment A2 andillustrated in FIG. 43 through FIG. 46 of a modulated optical signaltransmitted by first transmission device 3901_1, second transmissiondevice 3901_2, and third transmission device 3901_3 in FIG. 39C.

FIG. 47 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of themodulated optical signal transmitted by first transmission device3901_1, second transmission device 3901_2, and third transmission device3901_3 in FIG. 39C. Time is represented on the horizontal axis. Theframe configuration in FIG. 47 includes, in addition to the symbolsincluded in the frame illustrated in FIG. 43 , symbol 4701 includingposition information. For example, when first transmission device 3901_1illustrated in FIG. 39C transmits the frame configuration illustrated inFIG. 47 , symbol 4701 including position information includesinformation on the vicinity of the position of first transmission device3901_1 or first camera 3902_1. For example, this information mayindicate a seat in a stadium.

With this, a terminal can obtain information on the position at whichthe video or still image that the terminal is attempting to obtain wascaptured from, and the terminal can thus achieve the advantageous effectthat it can determine whether the video or still image information isthe desired information or not.

Furthermore, in, for example, a stadium, a terminal can obtain symbol4701 including position information included in FIG. 47 whereby theadvantageous effect that the user of the terminal can easily search fora seat can be obtained.

Note that in FIG. 47 , symbols may be arranged along the frequency axis,that is to say, the carrier axis. Accordingly, the modulated signal maybe a multi-carrier modulated signal such as an OFDM modulated signal,and symbols other than those shown in FIG. 47 may be included in theframe. Moreover, the order in which the symbols are transmitted is notlimited to the example illustrated in FIG. 47 .

FIG. 48 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of themodulated optical signal transmitted by first transmission device3901_1, second transmission device 3901_2, and third transmission device3901_3 in FIG. 39C. Time is represented on the horizontal axis. Theframe configuration in FIG. 48 includes, in addition to the symbolsincluded in the frame illustrated in FIG. 44 , symbol 4701 includingposition information. For example, when first transmission device 3901_1illustrated in FIG. 39C transmits the frame configuration illustrated inFIG. 48 , symbol 4701 including position information includesinformation on the vicinity of the position of first transmission device3901_1 or first camera 3902_1. For example, this information mayindicate a seat in a stadium.

With this, a terminal can obtain information on the position at whichthe video or still image that the terminal is attempting to obtain wascaptured from, and the terminal can thus achieve the advantageous effectthat it can determine whether the video or still image information isthe desired information or not.

Furthermore, in, for example, a stadium, a terminal can obtain symbol4701 including position information included in FIG. 48 whereby theadvantageous effect that the user of the terminal can easily search fora seat can be obtained.

FIG. 49 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of themodulated optical signal transmitted by first transmission device3901_1, second transmission device 3901_2, and third transmission device3901_3 in FIG. 39C. Time is represented on the horizontal axis. Theframe configuration in FIG. 49 includes, in addition to the symbolsincluded in the frame illustrated in FIG. 45 , symbol 4701 includingposition information. For example, when first transmission device 3901_1illustrated in FIG. 39C transmits the frame configuration illustrated inFIG. 49 , symbol 4701 including position information includesinformation on the vicinity of the position of first transmission device3901_1 or first camera 3902_1. For example, this information mayindicate a seat in a stadium.

With this, a terminal can obtain information on the position at whichthe video or still image that the terminal is attempting to obtain wascaptured from, and the terminal can thus achieve the advantageous effectthat it can determine whether the video or still image information isthe desired information or not.

Furthermore, in, for example, a stadium, a terminal can obtain symbol4701 including position information included in FIG. 49 whereby theadvantageous effect that the user of the terminal can easily search fora seat can be obtained.

FIG. 50 illustrates one example of a frame configuration of themodulated optical signal transmitted by first transmission device3901_1, second transmission device 3901_2, and third transmission device3901_3 in FIG. 39C. Time is represented on the horizontal axis. Theframe configuration in FIG. 50 includes, in addition to the symbolsincluded in the frame illustrated in FIG. 46 , symbol 4701 includingposition information. For example, when first transmission device 3901_1illustrated in FIG. 39C transmits the frame configuration illustrated inFIG. 50 , symbol 4701 including position information includesinformation on the vicinity of the position of first transmission device3901_1 or first camera 3902_1. For example, this information mayindicate a seat in a stadium.

With this, a terminal can obtain information on the position at whichthe video or still image that the terminal is attempting to obtain wascaptured from, and the terminal can thus achieve the advantageous effectthat it can determine whether the video or still image information isthe desired information or not.

Furthermore, in, for example, a stadium, a terminal can obtain symbol4701 including position information included in FIG. 50 whereby theadvantageous effect that the user of the terminal can easily search fora seat can be obtained.

Moreover, first terminal 3950_1 and second terminal 3950_2 illustratedin FIG. 39C may have the function of storing the position informationincluded in symbol 4701 including position information transmitted byfirst transmission device 3901_1, second transmission device 3901_2, andthird transmission device 3901_3. With this, the user of the terminalscan easily summon the position information (seat information for thestadium), and can know the access destination for obtaining the videoand still image, along with the position information.

Supplemental Information 3

In embodiments including description of operations related to a vehicleincluding the communication device in the present specification,“vehicle including the communication device” may be rewritten as “robotincluding the communication device”, “conveyance including thecommunication device”, “mobile home appliance (electrical machine usedin the home) including the communication device”, “two-wheeled vehicleincluding the communication device”, “drone including the communicationdevice”, “aircraft including the communication device”, “airshipincluding the communication device”, or “watercraft including thecommunication device”. Even in such cases, the embodiments may beimplemented in the same manner and achieve the same advantageouseffects.

Moreover, in Embodiment A2, for example, in FIG. 40 , first terminal3950_1 is exemplified as obtaining any one of: a video or image capturedby first camera 3902_1; a video or image captured by second camera3902_2; a video or image captured by third camera 3902_3; and a video orimage captured by fourth camera 3902_4, but for example, when a fifthtransmission device 3901_5 is present between third transmission device3901_3 and fourth transmission device 3901_4, and first terminal 3950_1obtains this modulated optical signal, from among a plurality of videosand images included among a video or image captured by first camera3902_1, a video or image captured by second camera 3902_2, a video orimage captured by third camera 3902_3, and a video or image captured byfourth camera 3902_4, a video or image estimated to be captured in thevicinity of fifth transmission device 3901_5 may be generated andprovided to first terminal 3950_1. Note that the generation of thisvideo or image may be performed by, for example, server 3905 in FIG.39C, and provided to first terminal 3950_1 using the same method as thevideo or image provision method described in Embodiment A2.

Communication system 3970 in FIG. 39A described in Embodiment A2 may beprovided in, for example, a robot, a vehicle, a conveyance, a (mobile)home appliance (electrical machine used in the home), a two-wheeledvehicle, a drone, aircraft, an airship, and watercraft. Moreover, aspreviously described, when a plurality of cameras are provided, acomposite or virtual viewpoint video or image may be generated from thevideo or images obtained from the plurality of cameras and provided tothe terminal. Note that in FIG. 39A, a composite or virtual viewpointvideo or image is generated by, for example, server 3972. Note thatalthough this component is referred to as a “server”, it may be a signalprocessor.

In the present specification, the component referred to as a server isnot limited to being identified this naming, and may be a signalprocessor, personal computer, computer, tablet, calculation processor,CPU, or Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).

Each of the components in each of the above-described embodiments may beconfigured in the form of an exclusive hardware product, or may berealized by executing a software program suitable for the component.Each of the components may be realized by means of a program executingunit, such as a CPU or a processor, reading and executing the softwareprogram recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or asemiconductor memory. Here, the software program for realizing thesystem or device according to each of the embodiments is a programdescribed below.

The program causes a computer to execute: a control method for acommunication system including a plurality of cameras, a server, and aplurality of transmission devices in one-to-one correspondence with theplurality of cameras, the method including: generating image data by theplurality of cameras capturing an image; storing the image datagenerated by each of the plurality of cameras in the server; andtransmitting, by each of the plurality of transmission devices, lightincluding, as a visible light communication signal, information relatedto communication for accessing a storage location at which the imagedata generated by a corresponding one of the plurality of cameras isstored in the server.

Moreover, the program causes a computer to execute: a control method fora terminal, including: receiving light including, as a visible lightcommunication signal, information indicating a storage location of imagedata; and receiving the image data from the storage location indicatedin the information received.

While the foregoing has described a communication system, etc.,according to one or more aspect based on embodiments, the presentdisclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications ofthe embodiments as well as embodiments resulting from combinations ofcomponents described in the different embodiments that may be conceivedby those skilled the art are intended to be included within the scope ofthe one or more aspect, as long as they do not depart from the truescope of the present disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure is applicable in the obtainment of locationinformation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A terminal, comprising: a light communicationdevice that receives a light signal transmitted from a firsttransmission device from among a plurality of transmission devices, anintensity of the light signal being modulated by transmission dataincluding access information for image data captured by a cameracorresponding to the first transmission device; and a wirelesscommunication device that receives the image data based on the accessinformation.
 2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the accessinformation indicates a location of the image data stored at a server.3. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the access informationindicates an identifier of an access point connectable via the wirelesscommunication device.
 4. The terminal according to claim 1, furthercomprising a user interface that provides a selection of one lightsignal from among light signals transmitted from the transmissiondevices.
 5. A method performed by a terminal including a lightcommunication device and a wireless communication device, the methodcomprising: receiving, by the light communication device, a light signaltransmitted from a first transmission device from among a plurality oftransmission devices, an intensity of the light signal being modulatedby transmission data including access information for image datacaptured by a camera corresponding to the first transmission device; andreceiving, by the wireless communication device, the image data based onthe access information.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein theaccess information indicates a location of the image data stored at aserver.
 7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the accessinformation indicates an identifier of an access point connectable viathe wireless communication device.
 8. The method according to claim 5,wherein the terminal further includes a user interface that provides aselection of one light signal from among light signals transmitted fromthe transmission devices.